Dysgraphia and The de Paul School
What is Dysgraphia/Written Expression Disorder? My child seems to have a tough time with writing, could this be something more than just typical writing struggles?
Dysgraphia or Written Expression Disorder is a learning difference that makes it hard for kids to express their thoughts in writing, even if they have great ideas they can easily share verbally. It’s important to remember that it has nothing to do with how smart a child is. Written Expression Disorder is not about laziness or a lack of effort; it’s a real struggle with the skills needed to effectively communicate through writing.
Think of it like having a beautiful song in your head but not being able to play the notes on an instrument. The music is there, but the ability to express it in written form is hindered.
What are some signs I should look for that might indicate my child has written expression disorder?
Written expression disorder can affect children in various ways. Some common signs, as outlined in the sources, include:
Using simpler sentences when writing than when speaking: This is a discrepancy between a child’s spoken language and their written language. They might articulate complex ideas when speaking but struggle to translate that complexity onto paper.
Writing sentences that are hard to understand: This could involve grammatical errors, misused words, or a lack of logical flow in their writing, making it difficult for the reader to grasp their intended meaning.
Seeming frustrated or anxious about writing: The act of writing itself can trigger negative emotions in children with written expression disorder. They might avoid writing tasks, complain about not knowing what to write, or show signs of distress when faced with writing assignments.
Producing written work that is significantly shorter or less detailed than their peers: This could be a sign that they’re struggling to generate ideas, organize their thoughts, or elaborate on their points in writing.
Having difficulty with the mechanics of writing, such as spelling and handwriting (dysgraphia): While not a core feature of written expression disorder, it can often coexist. The sources explain that struggling with handwriting can further compound the challenges of expressing oneself effectively in writing.
Here is a helpful breakdown of signs to watch for at different age levels:
Grades K–2:
- Difficulty labeling pictures with a few words
- Sentences that are difficult to understand
- Confusion about different types of writing (stories, opinions, factual)
- Trouble writing a paragraph about a personal experience
Grades 3–5:
- Over-reliance on simple sentences
- Lack of planning and revision in writing
- Struggles with organization and appropriate content for different types of writing
Middle School:
- Difficulty planning and following a writing plan
- Focus on minor errors instead of content revision
- Trouble writing complex narratives
- Repetitive word choice
- Struggling to write persuasive essays with supporting arguments
What are the causes of Dysgraphia/Written Expression Disorder? I sometimes feel like my child is just being lazy or not trying hard enough with their writing. Could that be true, or is there something else going on?
It’s a common misconception that children with Dysgraphia/Written Expression Disorder are simply lazy or lack motivation. The reality is, they are often trying very hard, but the task of writing feels overwhelming and insurmountable to them.
The sources explain that Written Expression Disorder is linked to differences in brain function, not a lack of effort. While the exact causes are still being researched, evidence suggests it’s rooted in how the brain processes and integrates information related to writing.
What can I do to help my child with Dysgraphia/Written Expression Disorder? Are there treatments available?
Fortunately, there are many ways to support children with written expression disorder and help them become more confident and capable writers:
Seek Professional Assessment: The first step is getting a proper evaluation from a qualified professional, such as an educational psychologist. This evaluation can help determine if your child has written expression disorder and identify their specific areas of strength and weakness. The sources emphasize the importance of working with professionals to get an accurate diagnosis and tailored support plan.
Home Support Strategies:
- Play writing games: Engaging in fun activities that involve writing can make it less intimidating and help develop writing skills in a playful way.
- Find apps and games that encourage writing: There are many educational apps and games designed to make writing fun and interactive for kids.
- Help your child self-advocate: Teach your child how to explain their writing difficulties to others and ask for the support they need.
- Be patient and understanding: Remember that writing can be a slow and challenging process for your child. Offer encouragement, praise their effort, and celebrate their progress.
Focus on Strengths and Build a Growth Mindset: Help your child recognize their strengths in other areas and connect those strengths to their writing. For example, if they are strong storytellers, encourage them to tell their stories aloud before writing them down.
Address Co-Occurring Challenges: Written expression disorder can often occur alongside other learning differences, such as dyslexia or ADHD. The sources recommend addressing these co-occurring challenges, as improvements in those areas can positively impact writing skills.
Remember, every child is different. What works for one child may not work for another. The key is to find the combination of strategies and support that best suits your child’s needs.
