Dysgraphia Assessment in Sydney

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Writing can feel like a constant struggle for someone with dysgraphia. Letters may seem to “slump” or squeeze together on the page. Writing tasks can be slow, painful, or full of erasures and corrections. Dysgraphia is not about effort or intelligence — it’s a difference in how the brain coordinates the fine motor, visual, and language processes required for writing.

 

Early assessment and diagnosis can open the door to strategies, accommodations, and supports that make writing clearer and less frustrating.

 

 

Who might benefit from a dysgraphia assessment?

 

• Children who consistently struggle with handwriting, struggle to write neatly or at a functional speed, have difficulty composing written work, or avoid writing tasks

• Adolescents or adults who’ve always had trouble putting their thoughts to paper, have messy handwriting, or experience fatigue or frustration when writing

• Individuals whose writing difficulties persist despite strong oral language skills and otherwise normal cognitive abilities

 

 

What is dysgraphia?

 

Dysgraphia is a learning difference affecting the mechanics and process of written expression. It can involve:

 

• Impaired fine motor coordination (making letters, spacing, and line alignment difficulties)

• Challenges in visual-motor integration (seeing and controlling where letters go)

• Weaknesses in the language-to-writing translation process (translating thoughts into written words)

• Difficulty with spelling, punctuation, and grammar under writing pressure

 

People with dysgraphia might:

 

• Write slowly, with many pauses or corrections

• Have illegible or inconsistent handwriting

• Leave out letters or words, or insert odd spacing

• Struggle to compose coherent paragraphs, even if they can speak fluently

• Get fatigued from writing tasks

 

Dysgraphia often co-occurs with other learning difficulties (like dyslexia or ADHD), so a comprehensive view of learning strengths and challenges is important.

 

 

How we evaluate dysgraphia

 

Our educational and developmental psychologists, as well as child psychologists, conduct a detailed and tailored assessment to understand an individual’s writing profile. Here’s what to expect:

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• An interview to understand the complete picture of struggles, handwriting concerns, and writing experiences.

• Cognitive and language testing - We assess memory, processing speed, visual processing, language skills, and executive functions to see how writing difficulties fit into the broader profile.

• Records of educational achievements – spelling, reading, reading comprehension, handwriting, numeracy.

• A request for further information, if necessary.

• Analysis and report: The psychologist will interpret the data, compare it to normed benchmarks, and provide verbal feedback and a written report. The report outlines writing strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations.

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Next steps after assessment

 

If dysgraphia is identified:

 

• We collaborate with you (parents, schools, clients) to design a support plan tailored to strengths and challenges

• We recommend interventions (occupational therapy, assistive technology, targeted writing strategies, scaffolding, and accommodations)

• We help coordinate school adjustments, e.g. extra time, use of typing rather than handwriting, scribe support

• We monitor progress, refine strategies, and provide follow-up support

 

If dysgraphia is not the primary issue, our evaluation will still uncover other obstacles (e.g. motor coordination issues, attention difficulties, visual processing weaknesses), and we’ll guide you toward the right support.

 

 

Why choose us for dysgraphia services?

 

• Assessments by experienced educational or developmental psychologists

• Holistic, strengths-based approach: we look beyond deficits to build on what the person can do

• Practical, actionable recommendations and close collaboration with schools or other services

• Option for Telehealth assessments, where applicable

• We provide services in the Hills District and Sydney CBD (via our associated clinic).​

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