Dyslexia and Dysgraphia: What is the Connection?

It's believed that nearly half the population suffers from some sort of a learning disability, and of these, dyslexia and dysgraphia are the most common language-based learning disorders. While they are similar and are often known to occur at the same time, dyslexia and dysgraphia are not the same thing and are not believed to be directly connected.

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects a person's ability to read. While sufferers often have average or even above average intelligence, they run into great difficulty when trying to read properly, often unable to sound out words, reading words backwards, and confusing letters. Since reading and writing are very similar, people who suffer from dyslexia often also suffer from dysgraphia.

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects a person's ability to write. Sufferers may confuse letters when they write, omit syllables, and have poor handwriting and spelling. Since people with dyslexia have problems reading, it is easy to see why they might also have issues with writing, since their brain already struggles making a connection to letters and words. However, people who suffer from dysgraphia don't necessarily suffer from dyslexia.

Many people who suffer from dysgraphia can read perfectly fine. It is just putting their thoughts into writing that becomes an issue for them. With that said, dyslexics do often suffer from some form of dysgraphia, although the severity may vary.

Treatment options for dyslexia and dysgraphia (and for people who suffer from both) cover a wide variety of therapies.  If you suspect your child may be suffering from either of these conditions, or possibly both of them, consult with a health care provider for more information on how you can help your child move forward with their learning.