Understanding Learning Disabilities and Testing for Dysgraphia

Introduction

• Speakers: Lori (Founder & Executive Director of Diagnostic Learning Services) and Abby (Director of Assessment)
• Focus: Testing for dysgraphia and understanding learning disabilities

Definitions

Learning Disability

• Also known as specific learning disability (SLD)
• Involves average to above-average intelligence with weaknesses in academic areas
• Can include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD
• Defined and delineated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Underachievement

• Individual performs below grade level expectations despite adequate instruction
• Public schools must rule out attendance, language, cultural, and socio-economic factors

Written Expression Disabilities

• Specific learning disability in written expression involves difficulty expressing thoughts in writing with logical flow and appropriate grammar
• Dysgraphia: Difficulty in forming letters, adequate spacing, staying within margins, and handwriting motor skills
• Dysgraphia also involves difficulties with the serial production of strokes and language-based difficulties

Dysgraphia

• Written language disorder involving motor skills and orthographic processing
• Characteristics include difficulty forming letters, errors, spacing issues, reversals beyond developmental stages, pencil grip problems, slow writing or copying

Key Points in Dysgraphia Assessment

Comprehensive Evaluation

• Standardized, norm-referenced tests comparing same-age peers nationally
• Tests must be valid and reliable
• Consider using tests suitable for age and language proficiency
• Involves standardized and informal data (parent/teacher input, work samples)
• Assess writing through letter formation, word dictation, text copying, written expression, spelling, writing fluency, and cognitive processes

Evaluated Areas and Their Impact on Writing

Cognitive Processes

1. Short-term and Working Memory: Affects spelling, sentence construction, word choice, and organization
2. Orthographic Processing: Recognizing and manipulating letters and spelling patterns, crucial for spelling and grammar
3. Processing Speed: Affects handwriting speed, editing, and ability to hold thoughts
4. Visual Processing: Perceiving letter differences, hand-eye coordination, editing, and proofreading
5. Fluid Reasoning: Problem-solving, idea generation, sequencing, and logical flow
6. Verbal Comprehension Skills: Vocabulary and language development enabling rich expression
7. Long-term Memory: Retrieval of spelling patterns, words, grammar, and writing strategies
8. Executive Functioning and Attention: Organizing and planning tasks, sustained focus, multitasking in writing

Recommendations and Accommodations

• Break longer assignments into smaller tasks
• Use of graphic organizers
• Voice to text technology
• Teacher reviews and feedback
• Teaching keyboarding skills
• Cursive writing for easier letter formation
• Reducing the copying aspect of tasks
• Occupational therapy for improving fine motor skills and writing ability

Frequently Asked Questions and Common Issues

Qualification for Services

• Many students do not qualify if they don't meet standardized cutoffs but still experience significant struggles
• Public schools use specific scores and criteria for educational needs
• 504 plans may offer accommodations for students who don't qualify under IDEA

Dysgraphia vs. Dyslexia Co-occurrence

• Common, often co-occur with ADHD
• Evaluations address both areas comprehensively

Utilizing Technology

• Mixed efficacy in using speech-to-text for students, important to combine with graphic organizers and other strategies

Impact of COVID-19 on Learning Evaluations

• Takes into account the adequacy of virtual instruction and overall impact on learning development

Assessment Costs

• Diagnostic Learning Services evaluation costs about $1450

Contact Information

• Email: Laurie (laurie@diagnostic-learning.com), Abby (abbey@diagnostic-learning.com)

Future Webinars

• Next session: August 30 with Michael Greshler on strategies for executive function around writing

Conclusion

• Importance of comprehensive evaluations and personalized strategies for addressing dysgraphia and other learning disabilities. Consider reaching out to professional evaluators and utilizing a combination of technological tools, teaching methods, and accommodations to support students.