dysgraphia

impaired ability to learn to write

Dysgraphia is a difficulty writing coherently, if at all, regardless of ability to read. People with dysgraphia often can write, but lack co-ordination, and find other fine motor tasks like tying shoes difficult. They can also lack basic spelling skills, and often will say the wrong word when trying to formulate thoughts.

Types of dysgraphia - ''Dyslexic dysgraphia'':With dyslexic dysgraphia, spontaneously written work is illegible, copied work is fairly good, and spelling is bad. Finger tapping speed (a method for identifying fine motor problems) is normal.''Motor dysgraphia'':Dysgraphia due to motor clumsiness has illegible spontaneously written work, illegible copied work, normal spelling, and abnormal finger tapping speed.''Spatial dysgraphia'':Dysgraphia due to a defect in the understanding of space has illegible spontaneously written work, illegible copied work, normal spelling, but normal tapping speed.

Symptoms of dysgraphia - A mixture of upper/lower case letters, irregular letter sizes and shapes, unfinished letters, struggle to use writing as a communications tool, odd writing grip, decreased speed of writing and copying, talks to self while writing, and general illegibility.

References -

International Dyslexia Association (2000). knowledgenetwork.ca - Fact Sheet. Retrieved Jan. 9, 2005.

External links -

dyslexia-ca.org - !Dyslexia-ca.orgCategory:disabi lityCategory:Special? educationDpsych-stub

Dyslexia Institutes of America
Provider of Premier 1-on-1 Explicit Instruction for the Remediation of Reading, Spelling, Visual Motor and Memory Difficulties brought about by Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and ADD.
http://www.diaread.com/

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Information on neurological and nuerodevelopmental disorders from a leading supporter of biomedical research on the brain and nervous system.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Inland Empire Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
Provides information on events, scholarships, and links to other pages about dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-ca.org/

LD OnLine
Interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and children. Articles, research, chat rooms, forums, newsletter, audio clips, calendar, store, ask the expert, resources, Kid Zone, personal essays, and a good search feature.
http://www.ldonline.org/

Hopkins School District 270
Public school district serving Hopkins, Minnetonka, Golden Valley, Eden Prairie, Edina, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park.
http://www.hopkins.k12.mn.us/

Family Village
A Very comprehensive site that covers all aspects of parenting a child with special needs. Webmaster is a parent.
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/