Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder characterized by a deficiency in the ability to write. This encompasses not only handwriting, but also the coherence of written text. It arises from difficulties in orthographic coding, the retrieval and organization of motor sequences in writing, and other cognitive processes involved in translating ideas to paper.

Etymology

The term "dysgraphia" is derived from the Greek words dys, meaning "impaired", and γραφία (graphía), meaning "writing by hand".

Pathophysiology

The act of writing involves two primary stages:

• Linguistic stage: This is where auditory and visual information are encoded into symbols for letters and words. The angular gyrus plays a significant role, providing the linguistic framework guiding writing.
• Motor-expressive-praxic stage: This stage encompasses the motor expression of writing or graphemes and is mediated by Exner's writing area in the frontal lobe.

Symptoms

Individuals with dysgraphia can demonstrate a range of symptoms. While some can write at basic levels, they often experience:

• Difficulty with handwriting and spelling
• Writing fatigue
• Incorrect grammar and spelling usage
• Unusual difficulty translating thoughts to paper
• Poor legibility and spatial planning on paper
• Difficulty writing and thinking simultaneously
• Emotional trauma due to inability to perform at peer level

Classification

Dysgraphia can manifest in various forms, often coinciding with other learning disorders. The three primary subtypes include:

• Dyslexic dysgraphia: Here, spontaneous writing is illegible, though copied work is clearer. Spelling is typically poor, but finger tapping speed is normal, suggesting no cerebellar damage. Also see dyslexia
• Motor dysgraphia: Stemming from deficient fine motor skills or dexterity, this subtype results in poor to illegible writing. Oral spelling remains normal, but finger tapping speed is below average.
• Spatial dysgraphia: Individuals struggle with understanding space, leading to illegible writing, even when copying. They demonstrate normal spelling and finger tapping speed.

Differential Diagnosis

It's crucial to distinguish dysgraphia from agraphia, an acquired inability to write due to brain injury or progressive diseases.

Causes

The etiology of dysgraphia remains complex. It's considered a biologically-based disorder with genetic predispositions and distinct brain function deviations. Specifically, those with dysgraphia often show complications in orthographic coding, the orthographic loop, and graphomotor output.

Diagnosis

Dysgraphia is diagnosed through various scales like the Ajuriaguerra scale, BHK, DASH, and HHE scale. Modern technological tools, such as drawing tablets, can track and analyze writing in real-time, offering insights into speed, pressure, and other metrics to aid in diagnosis.

Treatment

Interventions vary based on the individual's needs. Some treatments include:

• Occupational therapy, especially within educational settings
• Motor disorder treatments
• Memory-enhancing techniques
• Using computers or other digital devices for writing
• Kinesthetic memory training

Interventions primarily focus on improving the individual's writing abilities and mitigating the emotional impact of the disorder.

External links

• NINDS Dysgraphia Information Page

See Also

• Dyslexia
• Attention deficit disorder
• Developmental coordination disorder

Dysgraphia Resources
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