What is the difference between dysgraphia and dyslexia?

Differences Between Dysgraphia and Dyslexia

Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects writing abilities, primarily characterized by impaired subword handwriting, while dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and spelling, characterized by impaired word spelling and reading abilities. 1

Core Differences

Dysgraphia

• Primary Deficit: Handwriting difficulties and mechanical aspects of writing
• Key Characteristics:
  • Impaired subword handwriting 1
  • Difficulties with letter formation and spacing
  • Poor fine motor coordination affecting writing
  • Illegible handwriting despite adequate time and attention
  • Writing that doesn't match cognitive abilities
  • May have normal reading abilities

Dyslexia

• Primary Deficit: Reading and word-level processing
• Key Characteristics:
  • Impaired word spelling and reading 1
  • Difficulties with phonological processing
  • Problems with word recognition and decoding
  • Reading that is slow, inaccurate, or labored
  • Spelling errors that reflect phonological difficulties
  • May have normal handwriting mechanics

Neurological Basis

Neuroimaging evidence shows distinct brain connectivity patterns between dysgraphia and dyslexia:

• Dysgraphia: Shows specific patterns of functional connectivity from brain regions involved in writing mechanics 1
• Dyslexia: Shows different patterns of functional connectivity related to reading and word processing 1

These differences in functional connectivity provide neurological evidence that dysgraphia and dyslexia are separate, diagnosable specific learning disabilities.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Dysgraphia Assessment

• Evaluation of handwriting samples for letter formation, spacing, and alignment
• Assessment of fine motor skills and writing mechanics
• Observation of writing posture and pencil grip
• Digital tablet assessments can provide objective measures of handwriting dynamics, pen pressure, and pen tilt 2
• Automated diagnostic tools using digital tablets have shown high sensitivity (96.6%) and specificity (99.2%) 2

Dyslexia Assessment

• Evaluation of reading fluency and accuracy
• Assessment of phonological awareness and processing
• Word recognition and decoding tests
• Spelling assessments that reveal phonological errors

Common Co-occurrences and Overlaps

• Both conditions can co-occur in the same individual
• Both may involve working memory deficits that support language learning 1
• Both are considered neurodevelopmental disorders that persist despite adequate instruction
• Both can significantly impact academic performance and may require therapeutic intervention
• Both conditions have high rates of comorbidity with other learning and psychiatric disorders 3

Management Approaches

For Dysgraphia:

• Occupational therapy focusing on fine motor skills
• Accommodations such as extended time for writing tasks
• Use of assistive technology (word processors, speech-to-text)
• Modified writing assignments
• Explicit instruction in handwriting techniques

For Dyslexia:

• Structured literacy instruction with phonological awareness training
• Multisensory reading approaches
• Text-to-speech technology
• Extended time for reading tasks
• Audiobooks and alternative formats for text materials

Early Identification

Early detection of both conditions is critical for effective intervention. Signs that warrant evaluation include:

• For dysgraphia: Persistent difficulties with handwriting despite practice
• For dyslexia: Persistent difficulties with reading acquisition despite instruction

Conclusion

While dysgraphia and dyslexia can co-occur and share some features, they represent distinct learning disabilities with different primary deficits, neurological bases, and intervention approaches. Accurate differential diagnosis is essential for providing appropriate support and accommodations.