Dysgraphia
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Detailed Description
Dysgraphia is a specific learning disorder that affects writing abilities. It can manifest as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting, and trouble putting thoughts on paper.

Identifying Signs of Dysgraphia

Writing Challenges
Poor Handwriting: Messy, illegible handwriting that is often inconsistent in size, spacing, and formation of letters.
Slow Writing Speed: Takes significantly longer to write than peers, leading to incomplete assignments.
Difficulty with Spelling: Frequent spelling errors, often phonetic or inconsistent.

Organising Thoughts on Paper
Trouble Structuring Sentences: Difficulty organising thoughts and structuring sentences coherently.
Difficulty with Grammar: Struggles with grammar, punctuation, and capitalisation.
Problems with Composition: Challenges in developing ideas and writing coherent and cohesive paragraphs or essays.

Fine Motor Skill Issues
Grip Problems: Unusual or awkward pencil grip that causes discomfort or fatigue.
Trouble with Precision Tasks: Difficulty with fine motor tasks such as tying shoes, buttoning clothes, or using scissors.

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Support Strategies for Children with Dysgraphia

Improving Handwriting
Handwriting Programs: Use structured handwriting programs to teach proper letter formation and spacing.
Fine Motor Activities: Engage in activities that strengthen fine motor skills, such as drawing, cutting, and playing with clay.
Adaptive Tools: Provide adaptive writing tools, such as pencil grips, slant boards, or special paper.

Enhancing Writing Skills
Keyboarding Skills: Teach typing skills to provide an alternative to handwriting for completing assignments.
Graphic Organisers: Use graphic organisers to help plan and structure writing tasks.
Assistive Technology: Incorporate assistive technology, such as speech-to-text software and word prediction tools.
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Academic Accommodations
Extended Time: Allow extra time for writing assignments and tests.
Alternative Assignments: Provide alternatives to written assignments, such as oral presentations or video projects.
Modified Grading: Focus grading on content knowledge rather than handwriting or spelling accuracy.

Building Confidence
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to celebrate improvements and efforts in writing.
Supportive Environment: Create a supportive environment that encourages practice and perseverance.
Encouraging Creativity: Allow the child to express creativity through different mediums, such as art, storytelling, or digital media.

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Steps to Get a Diagnosis for Dysgraphia
1. Observing Signs and Symptoms:
Parents and caregivers should keep a detailed record of their child's writing challenges, including difficulties with handwriting, spelling, and organising thoughts on paper.
2. Consult an Occupational Therapist and/or Speech Pathologist:
Schedule an appointment with your child's OT/ SP to discuss concerns. The OT/SP will conduct an initial evaluation and may use a combination of formal and informal assessments or screening tools to screen for dyslexia.
You can also discuss your concerns with your child’s Paediatrician and ask their office if they provide screening assessments for Specific Learning Disorders or recommend you contact a service such as DSF (Dyslexia Speld Foundation for a Comprehensive Assessment of Specific Learning Disorder).
3. Referral to a Specialist:
If the paediatrician suspects dysgraphia, they will refer the child to a specialist, such as a child psychologist or educational psychologist, for a comprehensive evaluation.
4. Comprehensive Evaluation:
The specialist will conduct a detailed assessment, which may include:

• Developmental history and parental interviews.
• Observations of the child's writing skills.
• Standardised tests and diagnostic tools.

5. Diagnosis and Recommendations:
Based on the evaluation, the specialist will provide a diagnosis and recommendations for intervention and support. This may include:

• Handwriting interventions.
• Academic accommodations.
• Educational support plans (e.g., IEPs).

6. Developing an Intervention Plan:
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive intervention plan tailored to the child's needs. This plan should address handwriting, spelling, and writing organisation skills.
7. Ongoing Monitoring and Support:
Regularly review and adjust the intervention plan as the child progresses. Ensure ongoing communication and collaboration between parents, healthcare providers, and educators to provide consistent support.

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Learning Difficulties/Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia) FAQs​
Q: What are learning difficulties? 
A: Learning difficulties are neurological conditions that affect specific academic skills such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and maths (dyscalculia).
Q: How can Occupational Therapy assist children with learning difficulties? 
A: OT can help improve fine motor skills, handwriting, organisational skills, and strategies for learning. Therapists may use multisensory approaches to support reading, writing, and maths skills.
Q: How are learning difficulties/Specific Learning Disorders diagnosed? 
A: Learning difficulties are typically diagnosed through educational and psychological assessments, which may include standardised tests, observational checklists, and academic performance evaluations

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message

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​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

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Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 

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Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

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NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

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OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

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