Types of Learning Disabilities: What is Dysgraphia?
With the several types of learning disabilities known, it is not uncommon for your child to have one. Having a learning disability does not mean your child is unintelligent. Many times, children with a learning disability struggle in one or two subjects of schoolwork, yet they are highly intelligent in other subjects.
Dysgraphia is one of the types of learning disabilities that can affect your child. While not as well known as some of the other learning disabilities, dysgraphia is the learning disability that revolves around the physical act of writing, as well as comprehending and synthesizing sentences and information. In some cases, dysgraphia can be an isolated learning disability that your child has. However, more often than not, dysgraphia usually occurs with another learning disability, such as dyslexia or ADD.
Symptoms of Dysgraphia
Some symptoms of dysgraphia are trouble with neatness and consistency of writing, trouble with spelling consistency, and challenges with writing organization and comprehension. Those children with dysgraphia can also struggle with copying down letters and words. Dysgraphia can make many subjects in school difficult, especially the older your child becomes. For example, a student that struggles with dysgraphia will have trouble copying down notes accurately and answering essay questions in subjects such as science or history.
Helping Your Child Succeed with Dysgraphia
Depending on the severity of your child’s learning disability, they can still become a successful student with extra help. Dysgraphia, along with other types of learning disabilities, qualifies your child to be tested for an Individual Education Program, or IEP. IEPs are helpful for students with learning disabilities because they allow your child to learn at her own pace.
Other ways to assist your child in the classroom setting is to arrange for one-on-one help from the teacher or a teacher’s assistant. Extra help from tutors and the use of computer programs and games are also beneficial. Other ways to help your child is to break down writing assignments into easier steps that they can comprehend and manage. Giving them instructions that are easy to follow and that are illustrated can also help a child who has dysgraphia.
When it comes to the different types of learning disabilities your child may have, know as a parent that you are their main advocate. The school board and teachers are helpful, but do not expect them to do everything for your child. Instead, research helpful programs and resources. Utilize the help available for your child so that he can succeed despite his learning disability.
Photos by hans s and WellspringCS
