A comparative study on

Dysgraphia and Autism

Spectrum Disorder(ASD)
PRESENTED BY
K. SUBALAKSHMI
 Learning Disability

 Neurological disorder.
 Struggles in writing, speaking, reading
 Non coordination of movements.
 Life long condition but can be improved to some extent.
Dysgraphia

 Difficulty with basic writing , reading

 Organization of things.
 Sequencing.
 Poor handwriting and motor skills.
Autism Spectrum Disorder

 Developmental disorder
 Affects Communication skills, social , interpersonal skills.
 Specific learning disability.
 Symptoms appear in first 2 years of life.
 Obsession, repetitive actions, indifferent behaviour.
Causes

 Hereditary
 Usage of alcohol and drug during pregnancy
 Malnutrition
 Pre mature birth.
 Diabetes.
 Head injuries.
 Low birth weight.
 Exposure to chemicals
 Genetic factors.
 Learning disability involves problems with specific things whereas autism affects
the whole development of children.
Signs and symptoms

 Dysgraphia - Deficiency in normal muscle memory.

 Problems with fine motor skills like holding pencil, tying shoelaces.
 Messy way of eating, Lack of interest in colouring and drawing.
 Difficulty in using scissors and puzzles, zippers etc,.
 Inconsistent letter formation over writing, unusual way of grasping pencils.
 Irrelavance in writing.
 Complains about the texture of paper.
 Lack basic skills in spelling, grammar, punctuation.
Signs and symptoms of Autism

 Problems in communication.
 Difficulty in verbal and non verbal expression.
 Avoiding eye contact.
 Social difficulties.
 Speaking in abnormal tone.
 Repetitive movement and gestures.
 Flapping hands
 Isolation.
 Rigid structure – Comfort zone.
Similarities of ASD and Dysgraphia

 Poor motor skills.

 Clumsiness
 Lack of coordination.
 Messiness in eating.
 Illegible and incorrigible handwriting.
 overlapping but they are different.
Strategies to overcome Dysgraphia
and Autism

 Providing extra time.

 Giving printed handouts.
 Mechanics of writing – tri grasp pencils, a wide lined paper, graph sheets,
 Typing practice in keyboard.
Autism :
 Understanding psychological barrier.
 Strong visual tools.
 Smart classroom
 Comfortable environment.
Common strategies to conquer both

 Multisensory techniques.
 Writing in sand , air, fabric paints.
 Clay modeling.
 Solving puzzles.
 Writing in ruled sheets
 Tracing different shapes and curved lines.
 Using sensory freezer bag.
Conclusion

 Common teaching techniques and strategies for both ASD and

dysgraphia.
 Providing all facilities – overall development (ASD)
 Providing facilities – specific learning issue. ( Dysgraphia)
 Early detection and intervention.
 Complete evaluation and screening.
 Support from parents , teachers and peer groups.
 Innovative teaching techniques.