Tests & Assessments – Dysgraphia (Handwriting Problems)

Tests & Assessments for Dysgraphia

How to Get Tested for Writing & Fine-Motor Difficulties

Find the Right Occupational Therapist or Specialist Assessor

Dysgraphia affects writing, spelling, page organisation, and the motor skills needed for handwriting.  A proper assessment can identify the cause of the difficulty and guide you toward the appropriate support at school, at home, or in the workplace.

This page explains who assesses dysgraphia, what the assessment includes, and how to find a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) or specialist assessor.

Who Can Diagnose Dysgraphia?

In the UK, dysgraphia is usually assessed by:

1.  Occupational Therapist (OT)

Specialists in:

• Fine-motor skills
• Handwriting and pencil grip
• Motor planning and coordination
• Posture and hand strength
• Sensory processing difficulties

OTs assess the physical and motor components of dysgraphia.

2   Educational Psychologists (EP)

Focuses on:

• Cognitive processing
• Working memory and speed of processing
• Spelling and writing planning
• Underlying literacy difficulties

EPs assess the cognitive and language-based components of dysgraphia.

Many children benefit from both types of assessment, especially when writing difficulties have multiple causes.

Common Signs of Dysgraphia

A dysgraphia assessment is recommended if a child or adult shows signs such as:

• Slow, effortful handwriting
• Poor or inconsistent letter formation
• Difficulty organising ideas on the page
• Incorrect pencil grip
• Hand fatigue or pain when writing
• Messy, illegible, or inconsistent writing
• Difficulty copying from the board
• Trouble with spacing, sizing, or layout
• Avoidance of writing tasks

Adults may additionally report:

• Struggling to take notes
• Difficulty writing under time pressure
• Problems filling in forms
• Reliance on typing to compensate

For a more complete list of dysgraphia symptoms in children (ages 7–11), please click here.

For a more complete list of dysgraphia symptoms in adults, please click here.

What a Dysgraphia Test / Assessment Involves

A dysgraphia assessment typically includes:

1.  Fine-Motor Skill Testing

To assess motor control required for handwriting:

• Finger strength
• Dexterity
• Pencil grip
• Hand steadiness
• Bilateral coordination (using both hands together)

2.  Handwriting Assessment

Using age-appropriate writing tasks:

• Speed of writing
• Legibility
• Spacing and organisation
• Letter formation
• Endurance and fatigue

OTs may observe natural writing posture and ergonomics.

3.  Visual-Motor Integration

Testing how well the eyes and hands work together.

This includes

• Copying shapes
• Patterns, and
  Sequences

4.  Motor Planning & Sequencing

Examining how a learner plans, organises, and carries out complex writing movements.

5.  Sensory Processing Evaluation (if relevant)

Looking at how sensory factors may affect writing:

• Touch sensitivity
• Proprioceptive feedback
• Attention and sensory regulation

6   Educational/Cognitive Assessment (optional)

If an EP is involved, they may assess:

• Working memory
• Phonological skills
• Spelling
• Written expression
• Processing speed

7.  Full Diagnostic Report

Your report will include:

• A clear diagnosis (if appropriate)
• Detailed test results
• Strengths and difficulties
• Practical recommendations
• A handwriting support plan
• Suggested reasonable adjustments

This can be used for school or university support plans and workplace accommodations.

Where Dysgraphia Assessments Take Place

Assessments may be carried out in:

• Schools
• Clinics
• Homes
• OT centres
• Online (for cognitive components; handwriting must be in person)

Choose an environment that supports comfort and accurate observation.

How to Choose a Qualified Occupational Therapist

When looking for an OT for dysgraphia, check that they:

• Are HCPC-registered
• Specialise in paediatrics, handwriting, or dyspraxia
• Have experience with dysgraphia assessments
• Provide a full written report
• Are DBS-checked
• Offer school or home visits (optional)

Many OTs work within multi-disciplinary teams including physiotherapists, teachers, SENCOs, and psychologists.

What Occupational Therapists Do

Occupational Therapists help people of all ages participate in everyday activities, including handwriting.

They support children and adults to become more confident, comfortable writers by improving:

• fine-motor control
• coordination
• writing fluency
• posture and ergonomics
• cognitive strategies for planning written work

Finding an OT or Specialist

You can find qualified Occupational Therapists who assess dysgraphia through:

• The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
• The British Association of Occupational Therapists
• Independent OT practices
• School or local authority recommendations
• Dyspraxia or SpLD specialist services

Next Steps

If you are exploring assessments, you may also find these pages helpful:

🔵 Dyslexia Assessments – Find an Educational Psychologist
🔵 Dyscalculia Assessments
🔵 Online Dyslexia Screenings
🔵 ADHD Assessments (Psychiatrist Required)