Dysgraphia and How to Manage It

Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that affects writing ability and motor skills. A person with dysgraphia can be identified by his illegible handwriting, inconsistent spacing, and poor to no spatial planning while writing on a piece of paper. He may also exhibit much difficulty in composing when writing.

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Whether he writes in print or cursive, the handwriting of a person with dysgraphia is very difficult to understand. Sometimes, the inconsistencies even involve mixing print and cursive handwriting as well as capitalization and lower case writing. He may also have a lot of unfinished words in his compositions.
As far as the writing itself goes, he may write in a weird and awkward position with regard to his body and the paper. Even his grip on the pen or pencil seems highly uncomfortable.
To help people with dysgraphia, medical and psych experts have suggested using a word processor. To learn more, they have also been recommended tape recorders or note takers when listening to lectures. Some teachers also forgo written exams for these individuals, creating specialized oral exams.
For the instruments being used, people with dysgraphia are suggested to utilize wide rule and graphing paper. Pens with specially-designed grips have also proven helpful.

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Curtis Cripe, Ph.D. is the director of research and development of NTL Group -- a neuroengineering services provider specializing in technology that diagnoses and repairs brain dysfunction, including learning disorders in both children and adults. Learn more about the NTL Group by checking out this website.