Dyslexia and dysgraphia are separate learning disorders but about 30% of people with dyslexia also suffer with dysgraphia. Both conditions are neurological conditions associated with unique brain wiring and seem linked to certain genes that affect how the brain processes reading and language. Neither condition can be cured but both can be treated leading to better life outcomes. Without treatment people can experience significant ongoing problems throughout life.
Dyslexia is a reading disability that affects a person’s ability to identify speech sounds and how they relate to letters and words. People with dyslexia often describe mixing up letters in a word and that letters and words seem to jump around on the page or blend together leaving no spaces. Many people report having difficulty remembering what they have read.
Dysgraphia is a writing disability that results in people finding it difficult to use pens and pencils, write in a straight line and knowing when to use capital or lower case letters. They also often reverse letters such as ‘b’ and ‘d’.
Diagnosis
A psychologist who specialises in learning disorders can diagnose dyslexia and dysgraphia. This assessment may cost around $1000 but the formal diagnosis can enable the person to access services and funding in some cases. You may wish to undertake a preliminary or screening assessment for dyslexia or assessment for dysgraphia to determine whether formal diagnosis is warranted.
Treatment
Early intervention is beneficial for both conditions and help is available even before a child begins school. Though there’s no cure for dyslexia, early assessment and intervention result in the best outcome. Sometimes dyslexia goes undiagnosed for years and isn’t recognised until adulthood, but it’s never too late to seek help.
If you suspect your child has one of these conditions there are many actions you can take while waiting for professional assistance including reading aloud to your child, discussing stories (comprehension) with your child and showing your child that reading is an enjoyable activity for you.
Therapists will work with your child to teach them concrete techniques and tools (such as tracing letters with a finger) to facilitate reading skills.
This 45 minute discussion will give you information and tools to help support your child with dyslexia or dysgraphia.The dyscastia podcast will likely also have other episodes fo interest to you.
Inspiration and encouragement
This poem by a 10year old girl offers hope for those with dyslexia.
This article highlights what it is like to live with dyslexia.
This 45 minute discussion with businessman David Pescud explores how he overcame dyslexia to live successfully despite being illiterate.
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