Dyslexia vs. Dysgraphia — What's the Difference?

Dyslexia can lead to difficulties with spelling and writing as well as reading.

A learning disability that involves difficulty in handwriting and arranging words on a page.

It affects the ability to decode, which involves breaking down words into their phonetic components.

This condition can lead to challenges in academic settings where written tasks are frequent.

Dyslexia often involves problems with reading comprehension and fluency.

Dysgraphia does not necessarily affect a person's reading ability.

A learning disorder marked by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words.

It is often associated with poor fine motor skills and difficulty with written expression.

Dyslexia, also known as reading disorder, is characterized by trouble with reading despite normal intelligence. Different people are affected to different degrees.

Dysgraphia can affect spelling, spacing, and the general ability to express thoughts on paper.

A learning disability marked by impairment of the ability to recognize and comprehend written words.

Dysgraphia is a deficiency in the ability to write, primarily handwriting, but also coherence. Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability (SLD) as well as a transcription disability, meaning that it is a writing disorder associated with impaired handwriting, orthographic coding and finger sequencing (the movement of muscles required to write).

A learning disability characterized by reading and writing difficulties.

A neurological disorder marked by impairment of the ability to write, especially to write by hand and to spell. It can occur as the result of brain damage or in association with learning disabilities.

An impaired ability to read.

A language disorder that affects a person's ability to write.

Impaired ability to learn to read

Impaired ability to learn to write

It is a common learning disability affecting children and adults.

Treatments include occupational therapy to improve fine motor skills, as well as access to typing tools and software.

Dyslexia is not related to intelligence; individuals with dyslexia have a range of intellectual abilities.

The main difference is that dyslexia primarily affects reading and language processing, while dysgraphia affects writing abilities.

Yes, it's possible for someone to have both conditions, complicating the learning process further.

Dyslexia is typically diagnosed through a series of reading, spelling, and phonetic tests by educational psychologists.

Tools such as special pencils, speech-to-text software, and permission to type rather than write by hand can assist.

Yes, both conditions can be diagnosed in adulthood, although they are often identified in childhood.

Parents can play a critical role by advocating for appropriate educational accommodations and supporting consistent therapy or interventions at home.

Causes can include underlying neurological issues, poor fine motor skills, and difficulties with visual-spatial coordination.

Accommodations include oral exams, extended time for reading tasks, and use of audiobooks or reading technology.

No, it also involves issues with spelling, spacing, and organizing text on a page.

It can make tasks that require handwriting or organization of written thoughts challenging, such as filling out forms or writing notes.

Yes, targeted reading and language therapies can be very effective for individuals with dyslexia.

Dyslexia often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.

Teachers can support by providing structured, phonics-based reading instruction and allowing verbal responses instead of written ones.