Dysgraphia: Symptoms of Writing Learning Disability

Dysgraphia

If you or your child struggles to form letters, spell words correctly, or even read your own handwriting, it could be dysgraphia — a brain-based disability that affects fine motor skills, particularly writing. Learn more about its symptoms here.

What Is Dysgraphia?

dysgraphia treatment - ergonomic training pencil holder, preschooler handwriting, kids learning how to hold a pencil

Practical Strategies & Tools to Help Kids with Dysgraphia

ADHD kids that have trouble with handwriting will have a lot of pencil shavings

Helping Students Who Struggle with Handwriting

Fountain pen on handwritten on background

“How I Trained My Brain to Unleash Wonders My Fingers Couldn’t”

If math is a nightmare for your child, he may have a learning disability. Learn the signs of dyscalculia, and what to do if your child has it.

Could It Be A Learning Disability?

Popular in Dysgraphia

Boy with ADHD frustrated with writing assignment

What Does Dysgraphia Look Like in Children?

Kids with ADHD/EFD can get frustrated easily. Help them stay on track with these strategies:Have kids run in place or be active for a minuteHave two work stations so that kids can get up and move between assignmentsLet kids use fidget toysGive kids graphic organizers (like key steps to write an essay)

[Screener] Dysgraphia in Children

A man is very focused on writing in his notebook. Hyperfocus is a positive trait of ADHD, but adults with ADHD can also suffer from dysgraphia in adults.

What Does Dysgraphia Look Like in Adults?

Pencil belonging to ADHD person erasing word "mistake" from paper.

[Screener] Dysgraphia in Adults

A child with both dysgraphia and ADHD, struggling to read a book

How to Recognize Dysgraphia In Your Child

Girl with ADHD sitting on floor of living room doing homework on laptop

How to Treat the Symptoms of Dysgraphia

Free Webinar Replay: Overcoming Dysgraphia and Writing Challenges: A Guide for Teachers and Parents

What Learning Disabilities Look Like In the Classroom

Boy with ADHD wearing glasses using tablet in elementary school class

Learning Challenges

Dysgraphia — I Created an App for That

It's called SnapType, and it helps kids keep up with their peers in class when their penmanship holds...

Dear ADDitude

Dear ADDitude: Is it Dysgraphia or Another Condition?

"My 10 year old has a hard time writing legibly and composing his thoughts on paper. He often says...

Hands of student with ADHD writing and practicing penmanship in notebook

Learning Challenges

When it Comes to Handwriting, Practice Doesn’t Always Make Perfect

Plenty of children (with or without ADHD) are plagued by messy handwriting — and traditional practice...

Emotional student with ADHD writing HELP in notebook

Ask the Experts

Clearing Up Bad Handwriting

"I have a fifth-grader whose handwriting is horrible. He can't seem to write from left to right in a...

Symptom Tests for Children

[Quiz] Can You Distinguish Between ADHD and Learning Disabilities?

Wondering whether your child's difficulties stem from ADHD or learning disabilities? Take this fast...

A teacher helps a girl who is struggling in class. She may have a learning disability.

Diagnosing LD

Everything You Never Knew About Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities come in many disguises, last a lifetime, and can't be "cured." The key to...

Child working in classroom with learning disabilties

Learning Disabilities

Does My Student Have a Learning Disability?

Does your student show signs of ADHD — or a learning disabilities? Educators and parents, use this...

adhd and dysgraphia on display in a pile of letters

Getting Things Done

“What Does That Say?!?” My Life with ADHD and Bad Handwriting

Illegible bad handwriting, and even the learning disability dysgraphia, are particularly common in...

Guest Blogs

Writing Fix: How My Daughter Got Beyond Dysgraphia

Poor handwriting skills affect my daughter's writing between the lines, but not the creative stuff...

A toothbrush used by a highly sensitive child

Guest Blogs

My Daughter Has Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Anxiety, and SPD—and She Feels Just Fine

Lee no longer apologizes for her disorders, nor is she embarrassed ...

An illustration of how brains are different for people with LD, one thing famous people with learning disabilities want you to know

Guest Blogs

The 9 Things People with Learning Disabilities Want You to Know

People with learning disabilities don’t want your pity or even your help. They want you to know that...

illustration of a digital and paper planner

Ask the Experts

Q: What’s the Best Planner for a Student with ADHD and Dysgraphia?

The best planner is one that works with your child’s unique ADHD brain and learning style. Here's why...

Wavy lines hand drawn seamless pattern. Brush grunge vector texture. Black scribbles on white background. Abstract brushstrokes freehand drawing. Ink wrapping paper, textile monochrome design.

ADDitude ADHD Experts Podcast

Podcast Episode #322: ““My Child’s Handwriting Is So Messy!” Strategies for Improving Dysgraphia in Children with ADHD” with Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L

Tune in as Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L, shares practical strategies for children with the learning...

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