Dysgraphia
Webpages concerning "Dysgraphia"
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Wikipedia-Article "Dysgraphia"
| Agraphia | ||
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| ICD-10 code: | F81.1, R48.8 | |
| ICD-9 code: | 315.2, 784.61, 784.69 | |
Dysgraphia (or agraphia) is a difficulty writing coherently, if at all, regardless of ability to read. People with dysgraphia often can write, and may even have a higher than average IQ, but lack co-ordination, and find other fine motor tasks such as tying shoes difficult. They can also lack basic spelling skills (having difficulties with p,q,b,d), and often will write the wrong word when trying to formulate thoughts (on paper). 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 despite thorough instruction. 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 neurological trauma.
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Disagreements about dysgraphia
Types of dysgraphia
Even though most sources currently list three types of dysgraphia, many who research dysgraphia find evidence for several more types. One of the things which makes arguments for more types of dysgraphia fairly strong is that not all dysgraphics fit the descriptions of the types listed below.
Definitions of dysgraphia
Many organizations and standard tests cannot agree on definitions of what dysgraphia is, and on what should be classified as dysgraphia, and what should have some other classification.
Evidence
Many define dysgraphia as "a defect in the understanding of space". Previous books are usually given as the source, however all actual research that has been done to test this theory has shown that most dysgraphics have no defect in the understanding of space, or visual-motor delay.
Types of dysgraphia
Dyslexic dysgraphia
With dyslexic dysgraphia, spontaneously written work is illegible, copied work is fairly good, and spelling is bad. Finger tapping speed (a method for identifying fine motor problems) is normal, indicating the deficit does not likely stem from cerebellar damage.
Motor dysgraphia
Dysgraphia due to motor clumsiness has illegible spontaneously written work, illegible copied work, normal spelling, and abnormal finger tapping speed.
Spatial dysgraphia
Dysgraphia due to a defect in the understanding of space has illegible spontaneously written work, illegible copied work, normal spelling, but normal tapping speed.
Symptoms of dysgraphia
A mixture of upper/lower case letters, irregular letter sizes and shapes, unfinished letters, struggle to use writing as a communications tool, odd writing grip, decreased speed of writing and copying, talks to self while writing, and general illegibility.
Lesser known symptoms of dysgraphia
Pain while writing
Many people who are dysgraphic will experience pain while writing. The pain usually starts in the center of the forearm and then spreads along the nervous system to the entire body. Few people who do not have dysgraphia know about this, because many with dysgraphia will not mention it to anyone. There are a few reasons why pain while writing is rarely mentioned:
- Sufferers do not know that it is unusual to experience this type of pain with writing.
- If they know that it is different from how others experience writing, they know that few will believe them.
- Those that do believe that the pain while writing is real will often not understand it. It will usually be attributed to muscle ache or cramping, and it will often be considered only a minor inconvenience.
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.
References
- International Dyslexia Association (2000). Just the facts... Dysgraphia: Fact Sheet #982. Retrieved Jan. 9, 2005.