Dysgraphia vs. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): What Parents Need to Know
Jul 23, 2025
Does your child struggle with handwriting, avoid drawing or writing, or seem clumsy with small tools like pencils and scissors? If so, you may have heard terms like dysgraphia or developmental coordination disorder (DCD) mentioned—but understanding the difference between them can be confusing.
Both conditions can affect fine motor skills, but they’re not the same. Knowing the difference is key to getting your child the right support at school, at home, and in therapy.
Let’s walk through the distinctions—clearly, practically, and with examples to help it all make sense.
What Is Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects written expression, especially handwriting. It’s rooted in how the brain processes written language and motor output.
Children with dysgraphia often:
• Struggle to form letters clearly and consistently
• Write slowly and with poor spacing or alignment
• Have difficulty with spelling and organizing written thoughts
• Avoid writing or tire easily when doing written tasks
Key Feature: The primary challenge is writing—either forming letters or putting thoughts into written words.
What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?
DCD, also known as dyspraxia (particularly in the UK), is a motor coordination disorder that affects how a child plans and executes movements. It can impact both fine motor (e.g., handwriting, buttoning) and gross motor (e.g., running, jumping, riding a bike) skills.
Children with DCD often:
• Seem clumsy or uncoordinated
• Have trouble learning physical tasks (tying shoes, using utensils)
• Avoid sports or playground games
• Struggle with tasks that require planning and sequencing movements
• Experience handwriting difficulties due to fine motor delays or fatigue
Key Feature: The challenges go beyond writing and affect a broad range of physical tasks that involve movement coordination.
Overlapping Signs (and Why It’s Confusing)
Many kids with DCD also struggle with handwriting. Likewise, some children with dysgraphia seem clumsy or avoid fine motor tasks. This overlap can make it hard to know what’s really going on.
Shared symptoms might include:
• Poor handwriting
• Difficulty with drawing or copying from the board
• Low confidence with writing tasks
• Fatigue or frustration during writing
Real-Life Example: Two Different Paths
Example 1: Jamie (Age 9)
Jamie is bright and articulate, but his handwriting is nearly illegible. He often forgets how to form certain letters, reverses b/d, and struggles to put his ideas into sentences. He can ride a bike, play soccer, and cut his food just fine.
Likely diagnosis: Dysgraphia
Example 2: Maya (Age 8)
Maya is a cheerful, energetic child who avoids writing, struggles to tie her shoes, and often falls behind in gym class. Her handwriting is slow and messy, and she has trouble keeping her letters on the lines. She also finds tasks like brushing her hair or buttoning a shirt exhausting.
Likely diagnosis: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
How Support Looks Different
For Dysgraphia:
• Occupational therapy for handwriting skills
• Explicit instruction in letter formation
• Use of assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text, typing)
• Classroom accommodations like reduced writing demands
• Writing graphic organizers or sentence starters
For DCD:
• Occupational therapy for fine motor and motor planning
• Gross motor support from PT or adapted PE
• Visual checklists or “first-then” strategies to support multi-step tasks
• Practice with dressing, eating, hygiene routines
• Support in gym class or playground activities
Can a Child Have Both?
Yes! Many children with DCD also meet criteria for dysgraphia. In fact, studies show that 30–50% of children with DCD have another diagnosis, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or a written expression disorder. If your child struggles with both coordination and writing, a multidisciplinary evaluation (e.g., OT, school psychologist, developmental pediatrician) can help clarify their needs.
What Parents Can Do
• Observe carefully: Where does your child struggle—just with writing, or with many physical tasks?
• Request evaluations: A school evaluation, private OT assessment, or neuropsychological testing can help.
• Ask about 504 or IEP plans: These can provide accommodations and services in school.
• Work with an OT: An experienced occupational therapist can help tailor strategies for either condition (or both).
• Use strengths to build confidence: Help your child feel capable and valued—even if writing or coordination are hard.
Understanding the difference between dysgraphia and DCD helps parents advocate more clearly and effectively. While both can affect a child’s handwriting, dysgraphia is a writing-based learning disability, and DCD is a motor coordination disorder that affects much more than writing.
Getting the right diagnosis—and the right support—can be life-changing for your child. With early intervention, compassionate guidance, and targeted strategies, children with either (or both) of these challenges can thrive in school and in life.
Parenting Alongside You,
Dr. Emma and the Aparently Parenting Team
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