Dysgraphia
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Evidence
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-dysgraphia
Education
Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that affects writing. Dysgraphia and dyslexia can have similar symptoms and its not uncommon for an adult to have both.
Learning to write is a skill that takes a lot of practice for almost everyone. When a child masters the skill of writing they can write quickly and legibly without getting tired. But for a child with dysgraphia the process can be slow and painful.
In adults with dysgraphia handwriting is not just messy it is illegible. They struggle with correct spacing, spelling and letter size. They might be able to express advanced idea but they don’t have the ability to put ideas on paper. They have difficulty holding their pencil and may write very slowly.
Dysgraphia can also affect other fine motor skills such as cutting food.
Dysgraphia is not a problem with intelligence, adults of all intellectual abilities can be affected by dysgraphia. Adults are more likely to suffer in relation to career opportunities at work which can hold a person back and impact their emotional state.
Empowerment
As adults you can:
- Have assistive tools such as speech to text programs so you don’t need to write your thoughts on paper
- At work take pictures of white boards or take audio recordings of presentations
- Try pencil grips or other writing aids for comfort or use a computer
- Getting Occupational Therapy to help improve the hand strength and fine motor skills needed to write by hand
Agatha Christie was one famous person that had dysgraphia. It never stopped her from being a bestselling novelist. On dysgraphia she wrote “It was quite true and I knew and accepted it. It did not worry or distress me”
Learning as much as you can about dysgraphia can help with easing anxiety. It can guide you to make more informed choices. Also meeting other adults that have dysgraphia by joining an online support group can help.
Special thanks to Australian Dyslexia Association for content sharing and linking to provide further information and direction for families with any concerns.
Useful links
https://dsf.net.au/what-is-dysgraphia/
https://www.noodle.com/articles/dysgraphia-in-children-essentials-parents-should-know
https://auspeld.org.au/state-associations/
https://dyslexiaassociation.org.au/support/dyslexiadysgraphia-and-dyscalculia/
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Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances.To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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