1. Ask Your Primary Care Provider

Your child’s primary care provider (PCP) can use developmental screening tools to help determine if writing issues are a concern. A PCP can also help you to rule out medical concerns that can look like dysgraphia symptoms.

Learn how to bring up a concern.

2. Find a Mental Health Professional

In most cases, families choose a psychologist who specializes in learning disorders or a multi-functional team that includes occupational therapists and educators to diagnose dysgraphia. Before working with these professionals, make sure to check insurance coverage (see also, “I suspect my child has a learning disability” in the FAQ).

Many families also work with mental health professionals to help their children with counseling or skills coaching.

Learn how to choose a mental health provider to work with your family (guide) (podcast).

3. Work with an Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are often the first line for treating symptoms of dysgraphia. These specialists understand how motor skills develop and can work with your child to learn or modify different writing activities. OTs are also a great resource for suggesting accommodations and assistive technology (#7).

Search the provider directory for an OT or schedule an Ask Us session to get 1:1 help finding providers near you.

4. Work with a Tutor or Educational Specialist

While students may receive support in school as part of an IEP or 504 plan, many families choose to use private tutors to supplement school services. Families who choose to employ private tutors may also be able to access funding through Ohio funding sources for learning loss.

Search the provider directory for a tutor or schedule an Ask Us session to get 1:1 help finding providers near you.

5. Build on Strengths

Children with dysgraphia are often very bright and creative, but may struggle with poor self-esteem or academic anxiety related to problems in the classroom. Helping your child to understand their strengths can build confidence and self-esteem.

Learn more about academic anxiety with this podcast or listen to this podcast for ideas to build self-esteem.

6. Set Your Home Up for Success

Learning to write involves a lot of practice – and that means bringing fine motor activities home. Children of all ages can benefit from fine motor activities, like sculpting with clay, painting and stringing beads. School-age children also benefit from having work areas set up to meet needs while doing homework.

Learn more about fine motor activities for young children with this podcast or find tips for improving handwriting at home here.

7. Use Assistive Technology

Newer technologies, like speech-to-text, can help students with dysgraphia to continue building academic skills. Families may also use recording devices, graphic organizers or browser extensions to help students build writing skills.

Learn about some of the tools available with this article from Understood. You can also try assistive technology right now by clicking the purple icon on the lower left side of this screen. Next, click the Font tool until OpenDyslexic is selected.

8. Communicate with School

We still have a lot to learn about dysgraphia – especially because it looks different for every person. Consistent communication with your child’s teacher can help you to work as a team to support your child’s unique strengths and needs.

Learn how to communicate better with your child’s school (guide) (podcast).