Types of handwriting and signs of dysgraphia in children and adolescents with learning difficultie

• Published in: Revista CEFAC 2020-11, Vol.22 (6)
• Main Authors: Borges, Monica Teixeira, Aprigio, Luana Celly Silva, Azoni, Cintia Alves Salgado, Crenitte, Patricia Abreu Pinheiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Assessment; Child Development; Handwriting; REHABILITATION
• ISSN: 1516-1846; 1982-0216; 1982-0216
• DOI: 10.1590/1982-0216/202022617719

ABSTRACT Purpose: to characterize handwriting aspects of children and adolescents with complaints of learning difficulties, based on the type of handwriting they used. Methods: thirty-two children and adolescents participated in the study. They were first to eighth graders of both sexes, aged 7 to 15 years, with complaints of learning difficulties. The participants were divided according to the type of letter they used: SG1 (block letters), SG2 (cursive letters), and SG3 (mixed letters). A themed composition was analyzed with an adapted Dysgraphia Scale. Afterwards, the score obtained in the items of the Dysgraphia Scale was statistically analyzed, comparing the results between the three groups, between SG1 and SG2, SG1 and SG3, and SG2 and SG3. Appropriate statistical tests were applied, considering as significant the p-value < 0.05. Results: no difference was found regarding the groups’ age and schooling level. As for the items in the Scale, there was a difference between the three groups regarding irregular spacing in between words, collisions and adhesions, and total score. Signs of dysgraphia were observed in the three groups, according to the Scale’s criteria. Conclusion: changes in handwriting are common in children with learning difficulties, especially when they write using cursive and mixed letters. RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar aspectos da escrita de crianças e adolescentes com queixa de dificuldades de aprendizagem a partir do tipo de letra utilizada. Métodos: participaram 32 crianças e adolescentes, ambos os sexos, faixa etária entre sete e quinze anos, entre o primeiro e o oitavo ano do ensino fundamental com queixa de dificuldade de aprendizagem. Os participantes foram divididos conforme o tipo de letra: GE1 (letra bastão), GE2 (letra cursiva) e GE3 (letra mista). Analisou-se a escrita temática a partir da adaptação de uma Escala de Disgrafia. Posteriormente, foi realizada a análise estatística da pontuação obtida nos itens da Escala de Disgrafia, comparando os resultados entre os três grupos, GE1 e GE2, GE1 e GE3, GE2 e GE3. Foram aplicados testes estatísticos pertinentes, considerado significante valor de p