What is Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities.
Specifically, the disorder causes a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words, even thorough instruction has been provided.
Children with the disorder may have other learning disabilities; however, they usually have no social or other academic problems. Cases of Dysgraphia in adults generally occur after some trauma. In addition to poor handwriting, Dysgraphia is characterized by wrong or odd spelling, and production of words that are not correct (i.e., using "boy" for "child"). The cause of the disorder is unknown, but in adults, it is usually associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for Dysgraphia varies and may include treatment for motor disorders to help control writing movements. Other treatments may address impaired memory or other neurological problems. Some physicians recommend that individuals with Dysgraphia use computers to avoid the problems of handwriting.
Links on Dysgraphia:
Margaret J. Kay's web site on Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia.org, Renee M. Newman
Columbia University Health Services
West Virginia University
About.com, Learning Disabilities
National Institute of Neurological Disorders
Books and Articles
Deuel, R.K. (1994). Developmental dysgraphia and motor skill disorders.
Journal of Child Neurology, 10 (1), 6-8.
Graves, D. (1983). Writing: Teachers and children at Work. NH: Heinemann
Hanbury-King, D. (1987). Keyboarding skills for all the grades. MA: Educators Publishing.
Majsterek, D.J. (1990). Writing disabilities: Is word processing the answer?
Intervention in School and Clinic, 26 (2), 93-97.
Stein, M., Dixon, R.C., & Isaacson, S. (1994). Effective writing instruction for diverse learners.
School Psychology Review, 23 (3), 392-405.
Cavey, Diane Walton, (2000). Dysgraphia Why Johnny Can?t Write,
a Handbook for Teachers and Parents. Pro-ed an International Publisher.
Richards, G. Regina and Richards, Eli I. (2000) Eli
The Boy Who Hated to Write, Understanding Dysgraphia. RET Center Press.
Berninger, Virginia W. and Wolf, Beverly J. (2009).
Teaching Students with Dyslexia ad Dysgraphia, Lessons from Teaching and Science.
Paul H. Brooks Publishing
Parker, James N. and Parker, Philip M. (2002)
The Official Parent?s Sourcebook on Dysgraphia. ICON Health Publications
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/302089/does_your_child_have_messy_handwriting.html?cat=25
http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/archive/2008-02/2008-02-06-voa2.cfm?CFID=315294736&CFTOKEN=21886898&jsessionid=0030904c247babe1cbc616477e7b4402b6b4
Yahoo http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060831014205AA1pDRd
DSF Literacy and Clinical Services
Street Directory.com
WhereistheSun.org
Wellsphere.com
Wrightslaw.com
Networks
Experience Project. “I have dysgraphia” http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Dysgraphia/40853
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