Specific Developmental Disorder of Motor Function (SDD)/Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is characterized by difficulties with handwriting and motor coordination. Such struggles often co-occur with difficulties in language processing and oral language skills. A neuropsychological evaluation of SDD/Dysgraphia aims to identify the underlying cognitive, motor, and language-related difficulties contributing to writing problems, and to develop targeted interventions to improve writing skills and academic performance. Assessment of motor skills may include tests of fine motor coordination, finger dexterity, handwriting legibility, and motor speed. These assessments help identify any motor deficits that may contribute to difficulties with writing. Gathering objective data regarding the individual’s language abilities may include tests of expressive and receptive language, phonological awareness, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and semantic processing. These assessments help identify any language-related difficulties that may impact writing. Dysgraphia may be associated with visual-perceptual difficulties, such as difficulties with visual-motor integration, visual-spatial skills, and visual attention. Assessment of visual-perceptual skills may involve tests of visual discrimination, figure-ground perception, visual closure, and visual memory.

 

The results of the evaluation are integrated to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual's strengths, weaknesses, and support needs related to writing and written expression. This information guides intervention planning, including educational accommodations, handwriting instruction, assistive technology, and other strategies to support writing skills. Research studies have reported prevalence rates of SDD/dysgraphia in children and adolescents ranging from 5% to 20%.