04/22/2024
Many parents and teachers struggle to distinguish between specific learning difficulties that affect literacy skills. This confusion is made even worse when they have such similar names. While dyslexia is traditionally associated with reading, dysgraphia affects writing. Both are language disorders that can cause a child to struggle in the classroom, but they are separate conditions with unique neurological and behavioral profiles .
Children with dysgraphia may have trouble with letter formation and word spacing in handwriting. They can experience difficulty with written expression, from translating ideas into language, and organizing their thoughts, to using grammar, capital letters, and punctuation correctly. For students with dyslexia, it is often English spelling and sounding out words in reading that are problematic.
However, research has also indicated that both conditions cause left-hemisphere processing delays compared to children who are classed as 'typical' readers and writers. What complicates the situation further is that some children may co-present with both dyslexia and dysgraphia. It's also possible for a student to be struggling with ADHD and dysgraphia.
Keep in mind every learner is unique and no two individuals will have the same set or severity of symptoms. Depending on the difficulties a child experiences, classroom accommodations and strategy training can help.
Phonics and training with sight words can enhance reading fluency in dyslexia and certain dyslexia-friendly fonts may make printed words easier to read. For students with dysgraphia, it can be helpful to explore alternatives to handwriting, such as teaching kids to touch-type on a computer.
The earlier a specific learning difficulty is addressed the better, as children with language based learning difficulties that go undiagnosed may quickly fall behind their peers. They are also at risk for developing low self-esteem and a negative attitude toward school and learning that can follow them well into adulthood.
For more information visit https://www.readandspell.com/us/dyslexia-and-dysgraphia-difference
