Learn how assessment of dysgraphia identifies specific writing challenges, guiding strategies to support spelling, written expression, and writing confidence
Formal assessment helps to identify specific challenges a child faces with written expression. This includes difficulties with spelling accuracy, semantics, mechanics of writing, and organising thoughts on paper. Dysgraphia affects the cognitive load involved in writing, making it harder for children to produce clear and organised written work. This can also result in frustration for the child, where there is a clear disparity between ideas constructed internally compared with what they can record in writing.
Children with dysgraphia may avoid writing tasks or express frustration over written assignments. Individual assessment can help to better understand the nature of the underlying difficulty, and inform appropriate supports.
Our process is a comprehensive evaluation designed to understand writing challenges for children in Sydney. The assessment includes cognitive assessment to evaluate verbal reasoning, working memory and processing speed, and achievement testing to assess spelling accuracy, understanding of semantics, writing mechanics, and the ability to organise ideas in written expression. This testing process provides valuable insights into a child’s unique needs, guiding strategies to improve their writing skills and support academic progress.
Dysgraphia can affect spelling accuracy, mechanics of writing, and the ability to organise thoughts coherently on paper. Children with dysgraphia often find it challenging to translate their ideas into writing, which can make their work appear disorganised or incomplete. These difficulties with writing organisation skills highlight the importance of understanding the child’s specific challenges. Providing alternative ways for the child to express their knowledge, such as oral responses or typing, can reduce frustration and better support their academic progress.
Take the next step in understanding and supporting your child’s writing challenges. Contact Clarity Child Psychology for an assessment to better understand your child’s profile of skills related to written expression and connect with support strategies appropriate to their needs.
