Recognising Dysgraphia - Do you have messy writing?

 

Dysgraphia is a learning difference that impacts a person’s ability to write. It’s not simply about messy handwriting—children with dysgraphia have difficulty forming letters, spacing words, and organising their thoughts on paper. This condition isn’t due to a lack of effort or intelligence. In fact, children with dysgraphia often have normal or above-average intelligence, but their brain struggles to coordinate the fine motor skills necessary for writing. 

 

It’s important to note that dysgraphia is not a form of autism, but it is common among autistic children. Studies suggest that up to 60% of autistic individuals may also have dysgraphia. Similarly, dysgraphia is not the same as dyslexia, though they often occur together. Dyslexia primarily affects reading, while dysgraphia affects writing. Both conditions can make schoolwork extremely difficult, but they require different types of support. 

 

 

Recognising dysgraphia early can help parents and educators provide the right support.  

Here are some common signs to look out for: 

 

Messy handwriting – Letters may be misshaped, uneven in size, or slant in different directions. 

 

Poor spacing – Words may be squished together or spaced unevenly across the page. 

 

Difficulty with letter formation – A child might struggle to write letters consistently or reverse them frequently. 

 

Pain or discomfort while writing – Holding a pen or pencil might feel uncomfortable or even painful. 

 

Slow writing speed – Writing takes significantly longer than expected for their age. 

 

Spelling difficulties – Words might be misspelled frequently, even if the child knows how to spell them verbally. 

 

Trouble organising thoughts on paper – A child may be able to explain ideas well verbally but struggle to write them down in sentences. 

 

 

There is no quick fix for dysgraphia, but there are many ways to support children and make writing less stressful. Here are some effective strategies: 

 

 

Occupational therapists can help children strengthen their fine motor skills, making writing less of a struggle. They use exercises and activities designed to improve hand strength, coordination, and pencil grip. 

 

 

Some children benefit from using special writing tools, such as: 

 

Pencil grips to make holding a pencil more comfortable. 

 

Larger writing utensils that are easier to control. 

 

Slant boards or ergonomic desks to provide better wrist support while writing. 

 

 

For children who find handwriting too frustrating, using a computer, tablet, or speech-to-text software can be a game-changer. This allows them to focus on their ideas rather than struggling with letter formation. 

 

 

Writing takes longer for children with dysgraphia, so giving them extra time on work and tests helps reduce stress and allows them to do their best work. 

 

 

Some children find it easier to write on: 

 

Paper with raised lines to help keep letters within boundaries. 

 

Graph paper to help with spacing between letters and words. 

 

Color-coded or highlighted paper to differentiate between different writing sections. 

 

 

Long writing assignments can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks can make them easier to complete. For example: 

 

Start with brainstorming and outlining ideas before writing. 

 

Focus on one sentence at a time rather than the entire page. 

 

Allow verbal dictation first, then assist with writing or typing the final draft. 

 

 

Children with dysgraphia often feel frustrated or self-conscious about their writing. Encourage them by: 

 

Praising effort over perfection. 

 

Focusing on their strengths—they may be great at storytelling, even if handwriting is tough. 

 

Helping them see progress over time—comparing past work to show improvement can be motivating. 

 

 

Dysgraphia can make writing a challenge, but with the right support, children can develop skills that help them succeed. Every child is different, so it’s important to find what works best for them. Whether it’s occupational therapy, assistive technology, or adapted learning strategies, small changes can make a huge difference in their confidence and academic success. 

 

If you suspect your child has dysgraphia, talking to their teacher, a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), or an occupational therapist is a great first step. Together, we can make learning more accessible and enjoyable for every child!