First in a three part series on dysgraphia

Over the next few months, I will be addressing handwriting and expressive writing difficulties – more commonly known as dysgraphia. In 2016, I saw a significant increase in the number of children seeking help for writing difficulties. Thankfully, there are proven approaches to correct dysgraphia. I am grateful to Dianne Craft who has shared her methodology for correcting dysgraphia: Brain Integration Therapy (BIT). It works!

According to Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP, a great debate ensues every school year, and it goes something like this: Is this groaning and moaning about writing a discipline problem or is there really a problem? This debate is tough because the symptoms of dysgraphia are so conflicting . . . see if these remarks leave you scratching your head in bewilderment:

My child can tell me the answers to questions, orally - very well - but then it takes him an hour to write them down.
When my child writes his spelling words, he leaves letters out of the words. If he spells them orally, he gets them correct!
My child is a great storyteller but refuses to write his stories down. If he tries to write his stories, the stories are only two sentences long.

The above scenarios are classic of dysgraphia. Additional symptoms of dysgraphia include reversals in written letters and numbers, mixed capitals and lowercase letters, illegible math papers, poor spacing, difficulty in copying from a board or book, awkward writing posture, no utilization of the helping hand when writing, head propped in hand when writing, and difficulties learning to tie shoes, ride a bike, and skip. As Dianne Craft so aptly puts it, “These children seem to be allergic to their pencils.”

Dysgraphia, however, has a silver lining: it is the number one processing glitch of gifted children. I have found this to be true in my own practice. It is worth every effort to correct this glitch so that these bright children will be able to function to their full potential. I am pleased to share that I have had many successes in correcting dysgraphia using the brain integration method. I would be happy to talk with you about your child's particular need.

If you have seen your child in this description, you will be interested in my next post which will present the neurobiological explanation for dysgraphia as well as the treatment.