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Dysgraphia

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Dysgraphia

Contents

What dysgraphia is
Signs and symptoms
Causes and contributing factors
Getting assessed and diagnosed
Support in education
Teaching and writing strategies
Related guidance

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What dysgraphia is

Dysgraphia is a specific learning difficulty that affects handwriting, spelling, and written expression.
 It can impact the ability to form letters, organise thoughts on paper, or write fluently, even when ideas are clear.

Dysgraphia is not linked to low intelligence. With targeted strategies and tools, individuals can learn to communicate effectively in writing.

Related guidance

  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
  • SEN Wellbeing
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    Signs and symptoms

    People with dysgraphia may:

    • have messy, inconsistent or slow handwriting

       

    • struggle to space letters or keep writing on the line

       

    • find copying from the board difficult

       

    • spell phonetically or inconsistently

       

    • feel physical discomfort when writing

       

    • perform better in oral tasks than written ones

    Check signs of dysgraphia
    Learn how to identify handwriting and written expression difficulties early.

    Causes and contributing factors

    Dysgraphia can result from differences in motor coordination or language processing.
     Common contributing factors include:

    • fine motor control difficulties

       

    • co-occurring conditions like ADHD or dyslexia

       

    • lack of early handwriting practice or inconsistent instruction

       

    • anxiety or fatigue affecting writing fluency

    Learn what causes dysgraphia
    Understand how motor skills, coordination and language combine in writing.

    Getting assessed and diagnosed

    Assessment may be carried out by:

    • an educational psychologist

    • a specialist teacher

    • an occupational therapist (for motor-based issues)

    Assessment usually involves handwriting analysis, spelling evaluation, and written expression tasks.

    A diagnosis can help secure learning accommodations and targeted support.

    Find out how dysgraphia is assessed and supported in education

    Support in education

    Support for dysgraphia may include:

    • typing or using a laptop instead of handwriting

    • extra time for written tasks and exams

    • handwriting or fine-motor exercises

    • visual and multisensory writing aids

    • one-to-one writing intervention sessions

    If handwriting difficulties affect progress, an EHCP or SEN support plan can help.

    Read about SEN and assistive technology support

    Teaching and writing strategies

    Helpful strategies include:

    • focusing on clear structure and planning before writing

    • using mind maps or voice-to-text tools

    • breaking writing tasks into smaller sections

    • allowing oral or digital alternatives where possible

    • praising effort and content over handwriting appearance

    External resources:

    NHS: Specific learning difficulties
    British Dyslexia Association – Dysgraphia
    Dyspraxia Foundation

    Get support for dysgraphia

    Search for writing specialists and therapists who help students with handwriting and written expression difficulties.

    Find SEN tutors and occupational therapists near you