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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

Signs of Dysgraphia

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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 to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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How We Support Children with Dysgraphia​
​

• Occupational Therapy (OT): handwriting, fine motor skills, visual motor integration
• Speech Pathology (SP): written expression, language development
• Psychology Assessments: cognitive and academic testing
• Counselling: confidence and emotional wellbeing
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): engagement and task participation

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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

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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

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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