Symptoms / Indicators of Dysgraphia in Children

Symptoms / Indicators of Dysgraphia in Children’s

* Age Range approximately from age 7 to 11 years

If a child has several of these symptoms/indicators, further investigations should be made.  Likewise, if these issues continue beyond the time that the average child has grown out of them, they may indicate dysgraphia, and advice should be sought.

For ease of reading, s/he should be transposed where appropriate.

The mechanical side of hand-writing
Does the child:

• Grip the pen too tight and/or with a ‘fist grip’?
• Appear to have difficulty with the physical part of writing?
• Have poor motor control?
• Repeatedly say his hand hurts when he writes?
• Watch his hand intently whilst writing?

When Writing
Does the child:

• Repeatedly say his hand hurts when he writes?
• Watch his hand intently whilst writing?
• Start to write letters from the bottom upwards?
• Write in all directions, i.e. right slant, then left slant?
• Use big and small spaces between words?
• Use different sized letters on the same line?
• Forget to dot the ‘i’s or cross the ‘t’s?
• Wave written words that are often not sitting on or are below the line?
• Mix up capital letters and lower case letters on the same line?
• Use a mixture of printing and cursive (joined up) on the same line?
• Have abnormal and irregular formation of letters?
• Have writing that is almost impossible to read?
• Say the word out loud whilst he is writing?
• Have very slow writing?
• Use punctuation and paragraphs in the wrong place?
• Ignore margins?
• Have writing that slopes on the page?
• Write sentences that do not make any sense?
• Have difficulty copying symbols, i.e. circles, squares, triangles?
• Have great difficulty copying from the whiteboard?
• Have lots of rubbings out or crossed out words?
• Form letters and numbers wrongly?

General

Does the child have difficulty with:

• Written text – is it inferior in contrast to his language development?
• Getting his thoughts down on paper, despite knowing what he wants to say?
• Sequencing words to make a sentence?
• Organising his ideas to complete a story?

Early Diagnosis is the key to success!

The earlier dysgraphia is diagnosed, the easier it is to ensure the child receives the right support at home and school. Although there is no cure for dysgraphia, research has shown the problems can be alleviated with the proper tuition.

Please bear in mind that children vary tremendously at this age. An Educational Psychologist and some other specialists can diagnose someone with dysgraphia.

This list is a guide only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.

If you are concerned about your child, you should seek professional advice as early as possible.

Maria Chivers & Dr David E Cowell – Jan 2019
www.dyslexiaa2z.com