How To Treat Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning disability characterized by decreased fine motor skills that affect handwriting and other skills like tying shoes. The Greek prefix 'dys' means difficulty or impairment and the root word 'graphia' means writing by hand. Other basic skills compromised by dysgraphia include correct spelling, mastery of grammar rules, and the organization of thoughts needed for successful outlining and writing. Three types of dysgraphia have been identified. Language-based dysgraphia involves impairment in the capacity to change phonetic sounds to written communication. Dyslexia is a specific language-based dysgraphia where words or letters may be read backward or left out. Non-language type dysgraphia is based on a physical inability of the fine muscles to move the pencil correctly to produce letters and words. Discover how to treat dysgraphia effectively.

Occupational Therapy

After a diagnosis of dysgraphia is made, many children and adults are referred to an occupational therapist for intervention. Dysgraphia in children may be diagnosed early when a child first tries to learn to write manuscript letters but is often diagnosed later. For many individuals, dysgraphia appears after trauma or due to a physical condition such as Tourette's syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Asperger's syndrome, or a stroke. Occupational therapists often help patients strengthen hand muscles by drawing, coloring, puzzle assembly, and pegboard exercises. They also introduce writing aids like special pencils with grippers attached to improve hand positioning while writing on paper with slightly raised lines to help with the positioning of written words. Occupational therapy can take place in a private office, hospital, or school setting.

Keep reading to learn about the next type of therapy for dysgraphia.