Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is considered a learning disability (essentially a problem with the "hard-wiring"of the brain) that affects written communication skills. This can include extreme problems with handwriting, "orthographic coding" (the processing of written words and the letters that create words) and "finger sequencing" (the coordination of muscular movements that interfere with the physical ability to write).

Classified as both a learning disability and as a deficit in fine motor skills, dysgraphia frequently overlaps with dyslexia and is at the root of problems with spelling and basic grammar. Children who demonstrate dysgraphia are normally channeled into special ed classes for alternative teaching strategies and additional practice. A child may be diagnosed with dysgraphia if they have difficulty writing words and have extremely bad handwriting. Not only is the handwriting messy and not in a straight line but the child might also have difficulty taking thoughts and expressing them through a writing medium.