Testing for Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is best defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder manifested by illegible and/or inefficient handwriting due to difficulty with letter formation.  This difficulty is the result of deficits in the graphomotor function (hand movement used for writing) and/or storing and retrieving orthographic codes (letter forms).

It also impacts the mental processes associated with writing, like picking a topic, organizing ideas, and making a coherent point.

Some common characteristics of Dyscalculia include:

• May have illegible printing and cursive writing (despite appropriate time and attention given to the task)

• Shows inconsistencies: mixtures of print and cursive, upper and lower case, or irregular sizes, shapes or slant of letters

• Has unfinished words or letters, omitted words

• Inconsistent spacing between words and letters

• Exhibits strange wrist, body or paper position

• Has difficulty pre-visualizing letter formation

• Copying or writing is slow or labored

• Shows poor spatial planning on paper

• Has cramped or unusual grip/may complain of sore hand

• Has great difficulty thinking and writing at the same time (taking notes, creative writing.)

In addition, we will use the assessment information to make relevant recommendations for both school and everyday life.

Diagnostic Learning Services has been assessing adults and children since 2004