I have a 17-year-old daughter who will be a junior this coming school year. She was diagnosed in elementary school with dyslexia and language processing disorder. A few years ago, writing became more difficult. When she goes to write, she can’t seem to put the pen down and when she does, it is very scribble-like. They did an MRI and didn’t find anything and diagnosed her with an intention tremor.
I mentioned dysgraphia to the doctor and he wasn’t familiar with this. Can dysgraphia not appear until later in a child’s life? Is there anything (occupational therapist, etc.) that can help? I have some accommodations in school but that won’t help in the work world. She struggles just to sign her name.
Dysgraphia (difficulty with fine motor coordination resulting in difficulty writing) is difficult to treat. It is unusual for someone to develop writing problems at age 17. And, the description you give sounds like more than what is usually seen as dysgraphia. I encourage you to follow-up with the neurological workup.
If she has dysgraphia, occupational therapy might be able to help her with gripping and hand strength. Often, the treatment that works best is to switch to the gross motor skill of typing. If she can use the keyboard and type quickly and neatly, she should be allowed to use a laptop in class and when doing homework.
Topic
Writing & Spelling