Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression
What is Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression?
A Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression, formally known as dysgraphia, is a difficulty with spelling and/or written expression.
Children and adults with a Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression (SLD in Written Expression) often have difficulties with spelling, grammar, punctuation and organisation of written tasks.
A Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Written Expression is a brain-based (neurological) disorder or disability. People with a SLD in Written Expression often have to work much harder and longer to produce written work to the same standard as another individual.
How is a Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression identified?
A psychologist generally diagnoses a Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression. The psychologist will investigate learning strengths and difficulties.
Before a diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression (formally known as dysgraphia) is able to be made, the child or adult being assessed must received at least six months of intervention focused on improving their spelling and written expression.
Before seeking an assessment or diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment of Written Expression it is also important to check eyesight and hearing.
How do you support a person with a Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression?
Students with a SLD in Written Expression can improve their writing, handwriting and spelling skills. Students benefit from explicit and structured instruction in spelling, grammar and written expression.
Students with a SLD in Written Expression will often need more opportunities to practise spelling and writing skills and so can benefit from working with learning support teachers, systematic synthetic phonics and morphology intervention programs or working with experienced tutors.
Students and adults with SLD in Written Expression can also benefit from adjustments made to their school or work environments. Such adjustments include:
- the use of speech to text software
- limits to the amount of writing required or use alternative response formats
- assistance with spelling, writing and editing for example, predictive spelling, scaffolded writing tasks
- typing and scribes.
What about difficulties with handwriting?
Students with a SLD in Written Expression will sometimes also have difficulties with handwriting.
However, if a student only has difficulties with handwriting and fine motor skills and no difficulties with the other aspects of written expression, this may be a Developmental Coordination Disorder with impairment in Handwriting or Motor Dysgraphia. An occupational therapist can make this assessment.
More Information about Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression
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