Can a child with the WISC scores above have dysgraphia? At same time as that IQ testing the brief writing skills score from WJIII was 86 (that was score not percentile). It was noted in reports he had poor fine motor skills and poor writing skills but due to the project based nature of the school of his current school he never had to do much writing. It was suggested in reports to follow up with OT and allow more time for writing tasks. At this time the behaviors were more of the focus so this area was overlooked.
Child has now entered 6th grade at an academic charter school and we find he is struggling with all writing tasks. Upppercase and lowercase letters are mixed. Spelling is inconsistent and poor. Poor spacing with writing. Following margins and writing on lines is impossible. Pencil grasp is wrong and writing seems exhausting and painful. Is this just because he lacks experience in writing or could this be dysgraphia?
milkyway, I have a ds with dysgraphia. I can't answer the question about WISC scores, but I can tell you that the symptoms you've noted above sound very much like dysgraphia. There are different root causes for dysgraphia, and I suspect it's possible that a student with dysgraphia could have a high score on processing speed tasks depending upon the root cause of the student's dysgraphia. Here's one explanation of the different causes of dysgraphia:
http://www.sess.ie/categories/specific-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia From what I have researched usually low processing scores are seen with dysgraphia not high ones. Child is able to type but still struggles with generating ideas and correct syntax and grammar.
Not all children with dysgraphia struggle with generating ideas once they are given a keyboard. My ds is one of the kids who *does* still struggle with generating ideas even with accommodations for his fine motor-related dysgraphia, but the issue he has with generating ideas falls under an additional diagnosis of expressive language disorder.
We are currently looking at having another evaluation done to assess for a possible LD.
I think another evaluation is a good idea based on what you've posted above - I'd recommend either a neuropsych eval or an educational eval that takes a global look at your ds rather than focusing on one specific concern and that includes a parent interview where the evaluator reviews your ds' developmental history as well as testing to determine why there are discrepancies in test scores (if any are found). For our ds, we also found that an SLP evaluation was an important piece of the puzzle re understanding his difficulties with written expression and generating ideas - but that was after we'd had a thorough neuropsych eval and understood his challenges. Please keep in mind though - I'm only a parent, not a professional so please don't take my suggestions as professional advice
Best wishes,
polarbear
