Important to Know

Dysgraphia can present differently for each child.

​Seeing one or two signs does not necessarily mean your child has dysgraphia. However, if you notice:

• Multiple signs
• Ongoing writing difficulties
• Increasing frustration or avoidance

​…it may be worth exploring further.

Learn More about Dysgraphia Support

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Early Years (Ages 4–6)

​At this stage, children are developing early fine motor and pre-writing skills.Possible Signs

• Difficulty holding a pencil or crayon
• Avoids drawing or colouring activities
• Struggles to copy simple shapes
• Poor control when using scissors
• Limited interest in early writing tasks

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Primary School (Ages 6–8)

Writing becomes more structured and expected at school.

​Possible Signs

• Messy or hard-to-read handwriting
• Difficulty forming letters correctly
• Inconsistent letter size and spacing
• Writing very slowly
• Difficulty spelling simple words
• Avoidance of writing tasks

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Primary School (Ages 8–12)
Writing demands increase, including longer tasks and more organisation.

​Possible Signs

• Ongoing messy or inconsistent handwriting
• Difficulty organising ideas into writing
• Struggles with sentence structure and grammar
• Writing takes significantly longer than peers
• Avoidance of written tasks
• Frustration or reduced confidence

Why Is My Child Struggling With Writing?

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What Causes Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia can be linked to challenges in:

• Fine motor skills (hand strength and control)
• Visual motor integration (coordinating eyes and hands)
• Motor planning
• Language processing (organising thoughts into writing)

​It is important to understand:

• It is not due to laziness
• It is not related to intelligence
• With the right support, children can improve writing skills

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Dysgraphia vs “Just Messy Writing”

Some children have messy handwriting early on.

​However, dysgraphia is typically:

• Persistent over time
• More significant than expected for age
• Impacting both handwriting and written expression

​If difficulties continue despite practice, further support may be helpful.

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What To Do If You Notice These Signs

1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Ask about writing expectations
• Understand classroom performance

2. Observe Writing Tasks at Home

• What is most difficult? (handwriting vs ideas vs spelling)
• Does your child avoid writing?

3. Support Writing in Small Steps

• Break tasks into smaller parts
• Focus on effort and progress
• Allow regular breaks

4. Consider Professional Support
Allied health professionals can help identify underlying challenges and provide targeted strategies.

5. Consider an Assessment
An assessment can:

• Identify motor and learning difficulties
• Clarify whether dysgraphia may be present
• Guide appropriate supports

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How We Support Children with Dysgraphia

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Handwriting and fine motor skills
• Pencil grasp and control
• Visual motor integration
• Improving writing efficiency

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Sentence structure and written expression
• Language development
• Organising ideas into writing

Psychology Assessments

• Cognitive and academic assessments
• Diagnostic clarification
• Reports for school supports

Counselling Support

• Supporting confidence
• Managing frustration
• Building resilience

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Addressing avoidance behaviours
• Supporting engagement in writing tasks
• Strategies for home and school

​​
School & Parent Support

• Strategies for reading at home
• Collaboration with teachers
• Supporting consistent routines

Telehealth Across WA

• Flexible access to services
• Support regardless of location

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What To Do Next

If you’re concerned your child may have dyslexia:

1. Speak with Your Child’s Teacher

• Understand how they are progressing
• Ask about reading support

2. Monitor Patterns

• Are difficulties ongoing?
• Is your child becoming frustrated or avoiding reading?

3. Consider Support Early

• Therapy and strategies can begin without a diagnosis

4. Consider an Assessment

• Provides clarity and direction
• Helps guide school and home support

How to Get a Learning Assessment in WA

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Check Out Our Dysgraphia Signs Checklist

Dysgraphia Checklist

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When to Seek Support

It may be helpful to seek support if:

• Writing difficulties are ongoing
• Your child avoids writing tasks
• Progress is slower than expected

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Not Sure?
​
If you’re unsure whether your child’s writing difficulties may be linked to dysgraphia, we can help guide you through the next steps.
Contact us to get started
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

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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