Dysgraphia assessments
Assessments of writing difficulties
for children, teens, and adults
Dysgraphia is a specific learning difference affecting written expression – that is, the ability to translate thoughts and knowledge into written language. It is less widely recognised than dyslexia or dyscalculia, but can cause substantial impacts on functioning at school, university, and in the workplace.
Our educational & developmental psychologists provide comprehensive educational and learning assessments, or we can provide targetted assessment to explore only individual areas like writing difficulties.
Two types of ‘dysgraphia’
Dysgraphia is a broad term used in different ways depending on the types of difficulties experiencing, as well as the types of allied health professionals assessing it. Seeking the right assessment and support depends on understanding which type of writing difficulty is present.
Language-based dysgraphia – assessed by psychologists
In language-based dysgraphia, the difficulties centre on the content and language of writing: organising ideas, structuring sentences and paragraphs, applying grammar and punctuation, and producing coherent written work. This type often co-occurs with dyslexia and language processing difficulties. Psychologists are able to assess this form of dysgraphia through cognitive and academic achievement testing, as well as review of other information such as an individual’s history, progress at school, and writing samples.
Language-based dysgraphia (or clinically, a specific learning disorder in written expression) refers to persistent difficulties with written expression that are not explained by intelligence or the capacity to learn, inadequate instruction, or lack of effort. People with this form of dysgraphia often have a strong grasp of ideas verbally – they may be articulate, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, but find expressing those same ideas in writing genuinely and consistently difficult.
The difficulties are not primarily about physical handwriting or fine motor control (more on this below). They relate instead to the language side of writing: organising ideas coherently on the page, constructing grammatically accurate sentences, applying punctuation correctly, and producing written work that reflects the person's actual understanding and ability.
Motor-based dysgraphia – assessed by occupational therapists
Some people experience difficulties with the physical mechanics of handwriting – letter formation, pen grip, writing speed, and legibility – related to fine motor control, rather than language processing. This is more accurately understood as a developmental coordination difficulty affecting handwriting, rather than a specific learning disorder. Where this is the primary concern, an assessment with an occupational therapist is generally more appropriate than a psychological assessment, as OTs are specifically trained to assess and support fine motor development and handwriting mechanics.
It is also possible for both types to be present at the same time. If you are unsure which type is most relevant to your situation or your child's, our admin team are happy to discuss this with you before booking.
How does language-based dysgraphia present across different ages?
In children:
Written work is significantly shorter, less organised, or less detailed than verbal contributions in class or in conversation
Difficulty starting written tasks (knowing what to say but not how to write it down)
Sentences are structurally simple, even when ideas are complex
Persistent difficulties with punctuation, grammar, and spelling
Avoidance of writing tasks, or distress when writing is required
Takes much longer than expected to produce written work, given ability in other areas
Work does not reflect what the child clearly knows or understands
In teenagers:
Extended written responses and essays are significantly harder than other task formats
Difficulty organising and sequencing ideas across longer pieces of work
May perform well on multiple choice or verbal assessments, but poorly on written or extended response tasks
Can struggle with the volume of written work required in senior secondary schooling
May rely heavily on editing tools or avoid drafting by hand
Difficulties producing adequate written output under timed conditions (e.g., exams)
In adults:
May have developed strategies to assist with writing difficulties (e.g., heavy reliance on editing, dictation tools, avoiding written communication where possible)
Writing tasks at work or university feel disproportionately effortful
Emails, reports, or written assessments take significantly longer than they appear to for colleagues or peers
Seeking an assessment of dysgraphia can assist with understanding the nature and factors underlying writing difficulties, and recommendations and strategies for support (e.g., VCAA special exam provisions, workplace adjustments).
What happens in a dysgraphia assessment?
Our dysgraphia assessments include:
An intake session to discuss the reasons for seeking assessment, background information (including school reports, writing samples, and any previous assessments, where relevant), and to form a plan together
Cognitive testing – exploring thinking, reasoning, working memory, and processing speed, and their relationship to written expression
Academic testing – detailed assessment of written expression skills including sentence construction, organisation, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and producing short and extended pieces of writing
A feedback session and comprehensive written report including assessment outcomes, diagnosis where applicable, and targeted strategies and recommendations
When combined with a broader educational assessment investigating other areas of learning, the whole assessment is typically spread across 4 to 5 sessions to allow testing to be completed at a manageable pace, with regular breaks. If just investigating dysgraphia alone, less sessions may be needed. We assess children (aged 6 and above), teenagers, and adults.
A full list of the assessment tools we use can be found on our Educational & Learning Assessments page.
Do I need a referral?
No, a referral is not required. You are welcome to contact us directly to discuss whether a dysgraphia, or broader educational assessment, is the right fit for your needs.
In some cases, a ‘Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders’ (CND) referral for clients under 25 years old, issued by a paediatrician or psychiatrist, may be used to receive some Medicare rebates. Please discuss with your paediatrician or psychiatrist, if relevant.
Contact us to find out more.
Our admin team can discuss any further questions with you, or assist you with booking an educational assessment with one of our educational & developmental psychologists.
Call us: 0410 398 989
Send us an email: admin@infinitypsychology.com.au
Submit a web enquiry