Dysorthographia: is it a disability

Is dysorthographia a disability? The question matters, as it determines access to certain support. The answer is nuanced: dysorthographia can be recognised as a disability, but this is neither automatic nor always necessary. Here is what the law says, and how to choose the right steps for your child. You will also learn whom to contact depending on your child’s needs.

What the law says

The 2005 law on disability recognises cognitive disorders, which include dys disorders. Dysorthographia may therefore, in theory, be recognised as a disability. This recognition gives entitlement to specific support, tailored to each child’s needs.

This recognition depends on the impact of the disorder on the child’s life, not only on the diagnosis. Mild dysorthographia that is well compensated does not necessarily lead to recognition. Everything therefore depends on the concrete difficulties encountered in daily life.

It is the MDPH, the departmental house for disabled people, that assesses the situation and decides on the entitlements to grant, after examining a file. This assessment takes into account the child’s overall situation.

Invisible disability

Dysorthographia is one of the so-called invisible disabilities. Nothing is apparent at first glance, and the child may seem perfectly at ease, particularly when speaking. This is one of the main difficulties for families.

This invisibility explains why the difficulties are often misunderstood. Mistakes are put down to carelessness, and the child feels unfairly judged. They feel misunderstood, even punished for something they cannot control.

Speaking of disability is not attaching a negative label. It is recognising that the child needs adjustments in order to have the same chances as others. It is a matter of fairness, not favour.

The PAP, without disability recognition

For most children with dysorthographia, the PAP is sufficient. This personalised support plan (plan d’accompagnement personnalisé) puts in place adjustments to teaching at school, without going through the MDPH. It is often sufficient for an isolated dysorthographia.

It is not a recognition of disability. It is a simpler process, carried out within the school, with the opinion of the school doctor. It is put in place more quickly, without a heavy administrative file.

The PAP allows, for example, spelling errors in foreign languages not to be penalised, dictations to be adapted, or a computer to be allowed. These adjustments often make a great difference for the child. See PAP et dysorthographie.

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The PPS, with the MDPH

When dysorthographia is severe or associated with other disorders, greater support may be needed: an AESH (school assistant for pupils with disabilities), funded adapted teaching materials, or support from a specialist service. This support is important for the children who are most struggling.

This support is provided through a PPS, personalised schooling project (projet personnalisé de scolarisation), which requires an MDPH file. The MDPH then recognises the disability and defines the compensations. The referent teacher supports the family through this process.

The process is longer and more demanding than the PAP. It is only useful if the PAP adjustments are not enough. The PAP therefore remains the first step in the vast majority of cases. See PAP ou PPS.

Possible financial support

If the MDPH recognises the disability, your child may be entitled to the AEEH, the allowance for a disabled child’s education (allocation d’éducation de l’enfant handicapé). It helps fund costs linked to the disorder, such as certain assessments or sessions that are not reimbursed. It may be supplemented depending on the circumstances.

Its award depends on the degree of incapacity assessed by the MDPH and on the costs incurred. Not all families of children with dysorthographia are entitled to it. The eligibility criteria are set by the MDPH.

Other support, such as funding for a computer or software, may also be granted. Find out more from the MDPH in your department. See AEEH et dysorthographie.

Exams and adulthood

For exams such as the brevet and the bac, adjustments are possible, whether or not there is recognition by the MDPH. A specific request must be made, within the deadlines. These adjustments allow exams to be taken on fair terms.

In adulthood, a person with dysorthographia may apply for an RQTH, recognition of the status of disabled worker (reconnaissance de la qualité de travailleur handicapé), if their disorder affects their work. It entitles them to workplace adjustments. It can make it easier to access employment or to remain in a post.

This step remains a personal choice, and many adults with dysorthographia do not need it. Each person remains free to apply or not. See dysorthographie et RQTH.

Should you apply for recognition?

Applying for disability recognition is not an obligation. It is a tool, to be used if your child needs support that the PAP cannot provide. It can also be reviewed at any time if the situation changes.

Some parents hesitate, fearing the label. Be assured that recognition is confidential, and that it may change or not be renewed if the needs decrease. This choice is yours, depending on your child’s needs.

Talk to the speech and language therapist (orthophoniste), the school doctor and the referent teacher. They will help you choose the most suitable step. They know the procedures and deadlines well. See dysorthographie et MDPH.

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Questions that keep coming up

Is dysorthographia recognised as a disability? ?

It can be by the MDPH when it has a significant impact on schooling or daily life. This is not automatic: many children only have a PAP, without disability recognition. Everything depends on the impact of the disorder on the child’s life.

Is an MDPH file needed to get adjustments? ?

No. The PAP allows adjustments to be obtained at school without going through the MDPH. The MDPH file is only useful for greater support, such as an AESH. The PAP remains the most common solution.

Is disability recognition permanent? ?

No. The entitlements granted by the MDPH are awarded for a limited period and reassessed. They may change according to the child’s needs. A new application must be made when it expires if the needs persist.