Spell checker for dysorthographia

For a child or adult with dysorthographia, a spell checker can change everyday life. It makes it possible to write texts that are easier to read, to gain independence and to focus on one’s ideas. It is still necessary to choose the right tool and learn how to use it. Here is an overview to help you make the right choice. You will also find advice on using it in class and in exams.

Why a spell checker really helps

A child with dysorthographia spends an enormous amount of energy working out how words are spelt. The spell checker picks up some of their errors on their behalf, allowing them to concentrate on the content of what they write. They can therefore write more, faster, and with less fatigue.

It also has an effect on confidence. Handing in a text that is almost free of mistakes, for a child used to covered-in-red copybooks, is a real source of satisfaction, and often a desire to rewrite. This sense of success often restores the wish to write. It also allows them to present their work more neatly, which often changes how others view their abilities.

Finally, the spell checker is a tool they can keep for the rest of their life: at sixth form, in higher education, and then at work. Learning to use it early is an investment. Many adults with dysorthographia use one every day at work.

What a spell checker does not do

A spell checker is not magic. It does pick up misspelt words, but it lets many grammatical errors through, especially complex agreements and homophones such as “a” and “à”. You should therefore always proofread, even after the spell checker has been run.

It can also offer poor corrections when the word typed is too far from the correct one. A child who writes very phonetically will sometimes get suggestions that have nothing to do with what they meant. In such cases, it is better to try rewriting the word differently to obtain better suggestions. Proper nouns, technical terms and recent words are also sometimes underlined in error.

They therefore need to learn to read the suggestions and choose the right one. This is a skill that must be practised, ideally with the help of a speech and language therapist or an occupational therapist. With practice, the child becomes quicker and more accurate.

Free spell checkers

Common word processors, such as Word, LibreOffice or Google Docs, include a spell checker. They are sufficient for a start, especially for spotting everyday spelling mistakes. Make sure the document’s language is set to French.

Free online tools go further on grammar, such as Scribens or LanguageTool. They flag more agreement errors and often explain the rule. Some also offer a browser extension, which is handy for writing online. Most work on both computers and tablets, which makes it possible to use the same tool at home and at school.

Try several with your child to see which suits them best. A simple, reassuring tool is better than a comprehensive but overly complicated one. Ease of use is an essential criterion for them to actually use it.

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Paid spell checkers

Among paid software, Antidote is the reference in French. It detects many more grammatical errors than free spell checkers and offers detailed explanations, which are useful for learning. It also flags repetitions and overly long sentences.

It also includes dictionaries and grammar guides. It is a very comprehensive tool, rather suited to secondary school age, when the child writes longer texts. A trial version lets you test it before buying. Versions designed for pupils exist, with a simpler interface.

Its cost may be partly covered under an MDPH application, through adapted educational equipment. Find out from the MDPH of your department. See Antidote and dysorthographia.

Word prediction and speech-to-text

The word prediction feature suggests possible words from the first letters typed. The child then only has to choose the right one from a list, which reduces errors and fatigue. It is particularly useful for long or complicated words.

The speech-to-text feature allows writing by speaking. It is built into Windows, mobile phones and Google Docs free of charge. It greatly relieves children who struggle considerably, but it requires a quiet environment. You need to speak clearly and proofread afterwards, as it also makes errors. Combined, these tools enable some children who are very held back by writing to finally produce texts that match their ideas.

These tools combine well with a spell checker. An occupational therapist can help you choose the right tools for your child’s profile. To find out more, read the word predictor and speech-to-text.

The spell checker in class

To use a computer with a spell checker in class, the adjustment must be provided for in the PAP or the PPS. Without this, the teacher is not obliged to accept it. Discuss this with the teaching team when drawing up the PAP.

Using a computer in class requires learning: typing on a keyboard fairly quickly, organising files, printing or sending work. It is best to practise at home before starting. An occupational therapist can help them increase their typing speed. A trial period, first at home and then in class, makes it possible to check that the tool really helps.

For exams such as the brevet or the bac, using a computer must be the subject of a specific adjustment request, and the spell checker may be disabled depending on the papers. Find out from the school about the rules specific to each exam. See the computer in class.

Learning to use it well

The spell checker should remain a learning tool, not a passive crutch. Encourage your child to look at why a word is underlined, and to read the explanation when one is given. They thus learn the rules at the same time as they correct.

A good habit: write the whole text first without stopping, then correct at the end. Stopping at every underlined word breaks the flow of ideas. This method also makes it easier to see errors in their context. Over time, they will retain some corrections and make the same mistakes less often.

Add to the personal dictionary the words your child often uses and which are not recognised, such as first names or subject-specific vocabulary. The spell checker will become more relevant. This small adjustment saves time every day.

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Questions that keep coming up

Which is the best spell checker for someone with dysorthographia ?

There is no single best tool for everyone. Antidote is very comprehensive but paid. Scribens or LanguageTool are good free options. The ideal is to test several with your child. The right tool is the one they will actually use.

At what age should a spell checker be used ?

Often from CM1 or CM2, when the child starts typing on a keyboard. Before that, the emphasis is rather on remedial work and learning the handwriting movement. Learning to type can begin in parallel.

Does a spell checker stop you improving your spelling ?

Not if it is used well. By reading the explanations and choosing the corrections, the child learns. The work with the speech and language therapist continues alongside. The two approaches complement each other.