Dysgraphia
Last updated
Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty with writing that can affect handwriting, spelling and putting thoughts into written words.
Topic: Disability categories and conditions
In plain terms
Some students with dysgraphia have slow, effortful or hard-to-read handwriting. Others mainly struggle with spelling or with organizing written language. It is not a lack of ideas: many students can tell a detailed story aloud but write only a sentence. Dysgraphia is not a separate IDEA category; students usually qualify under specific learning disability in written expression, or sometimes under other categories.
How it shows up in an IEP
Goals might address handwriting legibility or speed, spelling, sentence construction or written expression. Accommodations such as keyboarding, speech-to-text or reduced copying help the student show knowledge while skills develop.
Example
A fifth grader writes 4 words per minute when copying. The IEP adds a keyboarding goal of 15 words per minute and speech-to-text for longer assignments.
Related terms
- Specific learning disabilityA specific learning disability is a disorder in a basic learning process that affects listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling or math.
- Written expressionWritten expression is the ability to communicate ideas in writing, including planning, organizing, writing sentences and revising.
- Fine motor skillsFine motor skills are the small, precise movements of the hands and fingers used for tasks like writing, cutting, buttoning and using utensils.
- Speech-to-textSpeech-to-text is technology that turns spoken words into written text, so a student can write by talking.
- Occupational therapy (school-based)School-based occupational therapy helps students take part in school tasks, such as handwriting, using tools, self-care and managing sensory needs.
On IEP Atlas
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