What Are the Signs of Dysgraphia?

Overview

Dysgraphia may be classified as both a neurological condition and a learning disability. The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) describes dysgraphia as a disorder that causes a person's handwriting to be "distorted" or compromised in a number of ways. Dysgraphia can accompany other learning disabilities in children, or it can be a person's only school-related challenge. Adults who suffer from dysgraphia have usually experienced a brain injury. The signs that suggest that a person may be diagnosed with dysgraphia may vary according to the individual but tend to follow a similar pattern.

Illegible Writing

Illegible writing is a common sign of dysgraphia. The quality of writing does not necessarily correspond to the amount of effort a person puts in to writing; he may try very hard but still write illegibly.

Style Inconsistencies

Inconsistencies in the style or writing and the physical spacing of the writing on paper are symptoms of dysgraphia. People who are affected by this neurological impairment may use a combination of script and print or capital and lowercase letters. Spacing of both words and letters may be oddly thought out and inconsistent.

Spelling Challenges

Dysgraphia may cause a person to have trouble spelling. Leaving letters out of a word or spelling words with uncommon and incorrect letter combinations may all be signs of the disorder.

Incorrect Usage of Words

Using words incorrectly may also be a sign of dysgraphia, according to NINDS. Writing or saying a word that is related to the person's intent but is not quite correct may occur. An example is using the word "girl" instead of "child."

Wrist and Hand Position

The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) states that one of the characteristics common to people who have dysgraphia is an unusual or "strange" positioning of their hands and wrists while they write. People affected with the disorder may also say their hands get sore due to the extreme effort involved in writing.