Dysgraphia Definition Dysgraphia is a learning difference in writing that, like most learning differences, is conceptualized in two different ways. Under the discrepancy model (traditionally used by psychology professionals), dysgraphia is a term used to describe a weakness in writing relative to an individual’s overall cognitive abilities. …

Children with dysgraphia in preschool and kindergarten may struggle to form letter shapes, have difficulty gripping a pencil, or have trouble difficulty organizing or articulating thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia generally have trouble with writing and exhibit other motor impairments, while dysgraphia in adolescents and adults manifests as difficulties with syntax, grammar, and writing thoughts down.

Dysgraphia has been estimated to affect 7–15% of school-aged children, but diagnostic ambiguity makes it difficult to ascertain the true prevalence (Hawke et al., 2009). While studies suggest dyslexia and dysgraphia may be equally common, there is much less awareness of and research devoted to dysgraphia. The DSM-5 does not define dysgraphia but defines an SLD in writing as an impediment to the ability to learn writing.

One of the essential features of an accurate diagnosis of dysgraphia is a synthesis of the individual’s overall academic capabilities across different domains and throughout time. Because there is so much potential for confounding factors influencing an individual’s academic performance in writing, as much data should be obtained from as…

54% of adults in the United States have prose literacy below that expected of a 12-year-old; just 15% of Black 8th graders are at or above reading proficiency (U.S. Department of Education. 2020). So what’s going wrong? 54% of adults in the United States have prose literacy below that expected…

Over 40 years of research and meta-analyses (Hattie, J. 2009) demonstrate that Direct Instruction (created by Siegfried Engelmann), is the most effective reading program, including for people with Dyslexia. Most other programs are ineffective. Direct Instruction emphasizes phonics instruction through carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments. The best…

Providing psychological services online was infrequent before COVID. Still, it became the only option for most people at the height of the pandemic. Therapy services were offered early in the pandemic, and psychological testing was adapted for telehealth. Now, there is often a choice, and consumers rightly ask, what are…

Dyslexia Definition Dyslexia is a learning difference in reading that, like most learning differences, is defined in two different ways. Under the discrepancy model (traditionally used by private psychologists), dyslexia is a term used to describe a weakness in reading relative to an individual’s overall cognitive abilities. Many educational systems employ the…

The estimated prevalence of dyslexia varies widely depending upon how it is defined, with estimates ranging from 3–7% all the way up to 20% of the population (Wagner RK, Zirps FA, Edwards AA, et al. 2020) This variation in and of itself is an indication that diagnostic clarity and accuracy…