Dysgraphia or dyspraxia

A child who struggles with writing may have dysorthographia, but also dyspraxia, a coordination disorder of movements that makes handwriting difficult. The two are sometimes confused, and sometimes occur together. Here is how to tell them apart. The two disorders require different kinds of support.

Dysorthographia

Dysorthographia is a disorder of spelling. The child has difficulty writing words correctly, but has no particular difficulty with everyday movements. They may be very skilful with their hands, in sport or in DIY.

Their errors concern sounds, agreement, and memory for words. These errors persist even when they write slowly and carefully.

See what is dysorthographia. Rehabilitation takes place with a speech and language therapist.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia, or developmental coordination disorder, is a disorder of the planning and coordination of movements. These difficulties do not come from a lack of practice, but from a coordination disorder.

The child is often clumsy: difficulty getting dressed, tying shoelaces, using scissors, riding a bike, and finding their way in space. The child tires quickly at school, as every movement requires effort.

At school, handwriting is often slow, hard to read and tiring. Geometry, page layout and tables are also problematic. These difficulties may also affect organisation and orientation on a page.

How to tell them apart

Dyspraxia affects movements in general, not just writing. If the child has motor difficulties in everyday life, dyspraxia is suspected. Difficulties in daily life are an important clue.

Dysorthographia, on the other hand, concerns the spelling of words, even when typed on a keyboard. On a keyboard, their spelling errors persist.

Dyspraxia can lead to writing errors linked to the movement, but not necessarily to spelling errors. A child with dyspraxia can write without mistakes if the movement is taken off them.

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When the two are associated

The two disorders can coexist. The child then has difficulties both forming their letters and spelling. This double difficulty is very tiring for the child.

The effort required by the act of writing then leaves very little attention available for spelling. Relieving them of the physical act often helps improve their written work.

See dysorthographia and fatigue. Each disorder must be supported by the appropriate professional.

Diagnosis

Dyspraxia is diagnosed through a multidisciplinary assessment: doctor, occupational therapist, psychomotor therapist, and sometimes neuropsychologist. This assessment also helps rule out other causes of the difficulties.

Dysorthographia is diagnosed by the speech and language therapist. The speech and language assessment evaluates reading and spelling.

If you have any doubts, your GP can refer you to the right assessments. The two assessments can take place in parallel. See the speech and language assessment.

Support

Dyspraxia is rehabilitated through occupational therapy and psychomotor therapy. The computer is often a key tool for compensating for handwriting. Learning to type is often one of the goals of rehabilitation.

Dysorthographia is rehabilitated through speech and language therapy. The professionals can coordinate to provide consistent support.

See the computer and who to consult. Each form of support has its own objectives.

Adjustments

Dyspraxia often justifies a PPS, sometimes with an AESH and adapted teaching materials. Dysorthographia on its own more often falls under a PAP. The PPS request is made through the MDPH.

In both cases, extra time, adapted documents and reduced writing are common. These adjustments reduce the child’s fatigue.

See PAP or PPS. They must be adjusted as the child progresses through school.

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Questions that keep coming up

What is the difference between dysorthographia and dyspraxia ?

Dysorthographia affects spelling, while dyspraxia affects the coordination of everyday movements. Dyspraxia affects movements in general.

How to tell whether it is dyspraxia ?

If the child is clumsy with everyday movements, and not only when writing. A multidisciplinary assessment will decide. The assessment is often multidisciplinary.