Important to Know

This checklist is not a diagnosis.

​Many children develop writing skills at different rates. However, if you notice:
  • Multiple signs
  • Ongoing writing challenges
  • Increasing frustration or avoidance

…it may be helpful to explore support further.
Early Years (Ages 4-6)

Fine Motor & Pre-Writing Skills
☐ Difficulty holding a pencil or crayon
☐ Uses an awkward or inefficient grip
☐ Avoids drawing, colouring, or craft activities
☐ Struggles to use scissors

Early Writing Skills
☐ Difficulty copying shapes or simple lines
☐ Limited interest in drawing or writing
☐ Difficulty controlling pencil movements

Behaviour & Engagement
☐ Becomes frustrated with fine motor tasks
☐ Avoids activities involving drawing or writing
☐ Prefers activities that don’t involve hand use
Primary School (Ages 6-8)

Handwriting
☐ Messy or hard-to-read handwriting
☐ Difficulty forming letters correctly
☐ Inconsistent letter size and spacing
☐ Difficulty writing on lines

Writing Skills
☐ Writing very slowly
☐ Difficulty spelling simple words
☐ Struggles to write sentences

Physical & Effort-Based Signs
☐ Complains of hand fatigue or discomfort
☐ Presses too hard or too lightly when writing

Behaviour & Emotional Patterns
​☐ Avoids writing tasks
☐ Becomes frustrated or overwhelmed
☐ Reduced confidence in writing
Primary School (Ages 8-12)

Handwriting
☐ Ongoing messy or inconsistent handwriting
☐ Difficulty maintaining neatness over longer tasks

Written Expression
☐ Difficulty organising ideas into writing
☐ Struggles with sentence structure and grammar
☐ Produces shorter or less detailed work than expected

Speed & Efficiency
☐ Writing takes significantly longer than peers
☐ Difficulty completing written tasks on time

Behaviour & Emotional Patterns
☐ Avoids writing tasks whenever possible
☐ Increased frustration with schoolwork
☐ Negative self-talk about writing ability
What Do Your Answers Mean?

✅ If you ticked a few boxes
  • Your child may still be developing writing skills
  • Continue to support and monitor progress

⚠️ If you ticked several boxes in one area
  • This may suggest writing difficulties that could benefit from support
  • Early strategies can help improve skills and confidence

🔴 If you ticked many boxes across multiple sections
  • This may indicate a pattern consistent with dysgraphia or related challenges
  • A more detailed assessment may help provide clarity
What To Do Next (Step-by-Step)

1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher
  • Ask about handwriting and writing expectations
  • Understand how your child is managing in class

2. Observe Writing Tasks at Home
  • What is most difficult? (handwriting, spelling, ideas)
  • Does your child avoid writing tasks?

3. Support Writing in Small Steps
  • Break tasks into manageable parts
  • Focus on effort rather than perfection
  • Allow breaks to reduce fatigue

4. Consider Professional Support
Support can help:
  • Improve handwriting skills
  • Reduce frustration
  • Support participation in school tasks

5. Consider an Assessment
An assessment can:
  • Identify motor, language, or learning challenges
  • Clarify whether dysgraphia may be present
  • Guide appropriate supports
How We Support Children with Dysgraphia​
​
Not Sure What To Do Next?
​
If this checklist reflects what you’ve been noticing, support is available.
Contact us to discuss your concerns
Ask about handwriting support or assessments
Access services across Perth, Mandurah, and WA

​Book a free 20-minute call with our team

Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

    Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions - Dysgraphia Checklist for Children (Ages 4–12)
What is a dysgraphia checklist?
A dysgraphia checklist is a screening tool designed to help parents identify signs that may be associated with dysgraphia.
The checklist can highlight patterns that may suggest further assessment is worth considering, but it cannot diagnose dysgraphia.

Does completing this checklist mean my child has dysgraphia?
No.
A checklist is not a diagnostic tool.
Many children show some signs associated with dysgraphia without meeting criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder.
A comprehensive assessment is required to determine whether dysgraphia is present.

What should I do if my child shows several signs on the checklist?
If your child demonstrates multiple signs associated with dysgraphia, you may wish to:
  • Speak with their teacher
  • Discuss concerns with your GP
  • Consider a learning assessment
  • Consider a psychology assessment
  • Consider an Occupational Therapy assessment
Assessment can help identify your child's strengths, challenges, and support needs.

What is dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a Specific Learning Disorder that affects written expression.
Children with dysgraphia may experience difficulties with:
  • Handwriting
  • Spelling
  • Written organisation
  • Written output
  • Transferring ideas to paper
Dysgraphia occurs across all levels of intelligence.

What are some common signs of dysgraphia?
Common signs may include:
  • Messy or difficult-to-read handwriting
  • Difficulty forming letters correctly
  • Slow writing speed
  • Poor spacing between words
  • Difficulty copying from the board
  • Avoidance of writing tasks
  • Frustration during handwriting activities
Every child presents differently.

What are some early signs of dysgraphia?
Possible early signs may include:
  • Difficulty learning to draw shapes
  • Difficulty tracing letters
  • Delays in fine motor skills
  • Poor pencil control
  • Difficulty learning letter formation
  • Avoidance of colouring or drawing activities
Not all children showing these signs will have dysgraphia.

At what age can dysgraphia become noticeable?
Signs may become apparent during preschool or early primary school years when children begin learning handwriting and written expression skills.
Difficulties often become more noticeable as writing demands increase.

What are some signs of dysgraphia in children aged 4-6 years?
Possible signs may include:
  • Difficulty holding a pencil
  • Difficulty drawing shapes
  • Poor pencil control
  • Trouble tracing letters
  • Difficulty learning letter formation
  • Fine motor challenges

What are some signs of dysgraphia in children aged 7-12 years?
Possible signs may include:
  • Slow handwriting speed
  • Poor handwriting legibility
  • Difficulty organising written work
  • Difficulty completing written tasks
  • Inconsistent letter sizing
  • Difficulty expressing ideas in writing

Is dysgraphia related to intelligence?
No.
Children with dysgraphia may have average, above-average, or gifted intellectual abilities.
Dysgraphia affects written expression rather than intelligence.

Is dysgraphia related to ADHD?
Dysgraphia and ADHD are different conditions. However, many children experience both.
ADHD may affect attention during writing tasks, organisation, working memory, and task completion.
Assessment can help identify the factors contributing to a child's writing difficulties.

Can a child have both dysgraphia and ADHD?
Yes.
Many children experience both dysgraphia and ADHD.
Support often needs to address both written expression difficulties and executive functioning challenges.

What can be mistaken for dysgraphia?
Several factors may affect writing skills, including:
  • ADHD
  • Fine motor difficulties
  • Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
  • Visual-motor integration difficulties
  • Language disorders
  • Learning difficulties
  • Educational gaps
Assessment helps identify the underlying causes.

Does dysgraphia affect spelling?
Often, yes.
Many children with dysgraphia experience difficulties with spelling accuracy, written organisation, written output, and recording ideas on paper.

Can dysgraphia affect confidence?
Yes.
Children who struggle with writing may become frustrated, avoid written tasks, or lose confidence in academic settings.
Early support can help build confidence and participation.

What accommodations may help children with dysgraphia?
Examples may include:
  • Access to technology
  • Reduced handwriting demands
  • Extra time for written tasks
  • Keyboard use
  • Writing supports
  • Visual organisers
  • Alternative ways of demonstrating knowledge
Supports should be tailored to the individual child.

How is dysgraphia assessed?
Assessment may involve:
  • Cognitive testing
  • Educational testing
  • Occupational Therapy assessment
  • Standardised assessments
  • Parent interviews
  • School information
Assessment helps determine whether a child meets criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder in Written Expression.

Who can diagnose dysgraphia in Australia?
Specific Learning Disorders such as Dysgraphia are typically diagnosed through comprehensive assessment conducted by appropriately qualified professionals, such as psychologists.
Occupational Therapists may also assess the functional impact of handwriting and fine motor difficulties.

Can children receive support before a diagnosis?
Yes.
Many children access support based on their learning needs before a formal diagnosis is made.
Early support can often begin while assessment pathways are being explored.

Does Belong Health provide support for children with writing difficulties?
Yes.
Belong Health provides services that may support children experiencing writing difficulties, including:
  • Psychology Assessments
  • Learning Assessments
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Pathology
  • Positive Behaviour Support (where participation, emotional regulation, or school engagement difficulties are present)
  • Developmental support services
Our team can help identify appropriate assessment and support pathways.
​Related Resources

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