What is Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a specific learning disorder that significantly affects handwriting. It manifests as persistent difficulties in writing clearly, neatly, and fluently, despite adequate schooling and normal intelligence. Dysgraphia is not caused by sensory, neurological, or intellectual deficits, but rather by alterations in the motor and cognitive processes involved in written production.
This disorder can seriously interfere with academic performance and a child’s self-esteem, making early detection and specialized treatment essential.
Clinical Manifestations
Common signs of dysgraphia include:
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Irregular, disorganized, or barely legible handwriting.
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Reduced speed and fluency when writing.
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Problems with visuomotor coordination.
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Incorrect posture and improper grip of the writing tool.
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Difficulties in letter alignment and proportion.
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Muscle pain or fatigue while writing.
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Avoidance or refusal of written tasks.
The intensity and presentation of symptoms may vary depending on the patient’s age and type of dysgraphia.
Types of Dysgraphia
Clinically, dysgraphia is classified into several subtypes:
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Motor Dysgraphia: Caused by fine motor skill difficulties, primarily affecting the physical execution of writing.
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Perceptual-Spatial Dysgraphia: Related to challenges in spatial organization and visual perception of text.
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Linguistic Dysgraphia: Involves errors in spelling and grammatical encoding of written language.
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Secondary Dysgraphia: Associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia, or developmental coordination disorder.
Accurate diagnosis must determine the subtype and specific areas for intervention.
Diagnostic Evaluation
The diagnostic process should be conducted by qualified professionals in a specialized clinical setting. It includes:
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Speech therapy assessment of graphomotor skills and functional writing.
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Neuropsychological evaluation analyzing attention, memory, executive functions, and motor coordination.
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Psychomotor and postural examination.
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Qualitative and quantitative analysis of writing in different contexts (copying, dictation, spontaneous writing).
This process allows for an individualized profile and the design of a suitable intervention plan.
Intervention and Treatment
Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on speech therapy. Effective strategies include:
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Re-education of handwriting gestures and fine motor training.
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Work on visuospatial skills and eye-hand coordination.
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Improvement of posture and writing tool grip.
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Interventions adapted to school and home environments.
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Technological aids, such as keyboards, tablets, or dictation software when necessary.
Treatment should be personalized, progressive, and adapted to the patient’s age and needs.
Importance of Early Detection
Early intervention is crucial to prevent emotional consequences such as anxiety, frustration, or lack of motivation in school. The sooner dysgraphia is identified and addressed, the better the chances for the patient to develop functional writing skills and achieve academic success.
If you suspect your child may have difficulties with writing, we invite you to contact our team for a specialized assessment.
📞 Contact us: +34 672 115 083 / 951 765 549