Writing

Question 1

What are the 3 subtypes of writing disabilities?

Answer 1

1. Motor-Based (Dysgraphia)
2. Code-Based (Dyslexia)
3. Language-Based (Composition)

Question 2

Explain Dysgraphia….

Answer 2

Impairment in graphomotor skills and production of written forms, which affects handwriting and spelling development

Motor Based: Struggle with motoric aspects of writing
Difficulty with legibility, automaticity, and letter-writing skills

Question 3

What are characteristics of dysgraphia?

Answer 3

Dysgraphia
Often don’t like writing or drawing activities
Poor pencil grip
Slow writing speed
Main intervention is OT

Question 4

Explain Dyslexia ….

Answer 4

Manifested in reading and writing

Poor spelling with adequate ability to express ideas in writing, but the problems stem from dyslexia

Question 5

Explain Oral language impairments…

Answer 5

Difficulties with written expression because they lack the necessary lexical (vocabulary), morphological (meaningful units of language, ex: “ing”), orthographic (system of marks that make up written language), and syntactic (grammar and rules of sentence structure) knowledge to express thoughts in writing

Question 6

What are common cognitive deficits in writing disabilities?

Answer 6

Visual-spatial skills
Attention
Memory
Sequencing skills
Fine motor skills
Language
Processing speed

Question 7

What are some red flags in writing disabilities?

Answer 7

• Oral expression skills are significantly better than written language
• Early writers fatigue quickly
• Saying words aloud while writing
• Poor basic writing skills (slow letter formation, difficulties forming letters, awkward grip)
• Poor spacing

Question 8

When assessing what should we examin?

Answer 8

Overall legibility
Letter formation errors
Writing rate (this is predictive of later writing difficulties)

Question 9

Explain what Phonological awareness and Orthography consist of?

Answer 9

Phonological awareness: Phonics and Phonemes

Orthography: Morpheme and graphemes