We talk more about dyslexia today than we did years ago, and that gives me hope. But there is another learning difference that often gets overlooked, misunderstood, or completely missed altogether—dysgraphia.
As someone who grew up with both dyslexia and dysgraphia, I can tell you firsthand that having the two together made school incredibly difficult. While people could see that I struggled to read, very few understood why writing seemed just as impossible.
It wasn't because I wasn't trying.
It wasn't because I was lazy.
It wasn't because I wasn't smart.
My brain simply processed language differently.
What is dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a learning difference that affects writing. It can make handwriting, spelling, organizing thoughts on paper, and getting ideas from the brain onto the page much harder than most people realize.
A child with dysgraphia may have wonderful ideas, a vivid imagination, and strong intelligence—but when asked to write those thoughts down, it can feel like there is a wall between their brain and the paper.
Many children know exactly what they want to say but struggle to get it out in writing.
Common signs of dysgraphia include:
✏️ Messy or difficult-to-read handwriting
✏️ Trouble forming letters correctly
✏️ Writing much slower than classmates
✏️ Difficulty spacing words and letters
✏️ Poor spelling, even after studying
✏️ Avoiding writing assignments
✏️ Hand pain or fatigue while writing
✏️ Difficulty organizing thoughts into sentences and paragraphs
✏️ Leaving out words or letters without realizing it
✏️ Feeling frustrated because writing doesn't match what they're thinking
These struggles are real, and they can affect every subject in school—not just English.
What happens when dyslexia and dysgraphia occur together?
For many children, including me, they do.
Imagine trying to read words that don't always make sense while also trying to write words your brain struggles to organize.
Reading becomes exhausting.
Writing becomes overwhelming.
Spelling becomes confusing.
Taking notes feels impossible.
Writing essays takes hours.
Even filling out simple worksheets can feel stressful.
Now imagine experiencing all of that while people assume you're simply not trying hard enough.
That is the heartbreaking reality for many children.
The emotional impact is often greater than the academic struggle.
Children with dysgraphia are often told to "just write neater."
They're asked to "slow down."
They're reminded to "try harder."
But the truth is, most of them are already trying harder than anyone realizes.
Over time, constant frustration can lead to anxiety, embarrassment, low confidence, and a fear of making mistakes. Many begin comparing themselves to classmates and wondering why something that seems so easy for everyone else feels impossible for them.
No child should grow up believing they are less capable simply because their brain learns differently.
The good news...
Dysgraphia does not affect intelligence.
Children with dysgraphia can be incredibly bright, creative, curious, imaginative, and gifted problem-solvers.
Many excel in art, engineering, entrepreneurship, design, storytelling, science, technology, and creative thinking.
They often see the world in unique ways.
The challenge isn't their ability to think.
The challenge is expressing those thoughts through writing.
And with the right support, accommodations, patience, and encouragement, they can absolutely succeed.
Looking back on my own journey...
Growing up with both dyslexia and dysgraphia was incredibly hard.
There were days I questioned myself.
Days I wondered why everyone else seemed to learn so easily while I struggled with things that looked simple.
Writing was one of my biggest battles.
I knew what I wanted to say, but getting it onto paper felt almost impossible.
I never thought I would become a voice for others, writing my thoughts and sharing my story with you.
If I would have known back then—or if someone had told me—that one day I would become a writer, I would have never believed it. Or maybe, just maybe, it would have given me the confidence I needed. Today, we have spell check and other tools that help make sure our words and paragraphs come together the way they should. Kids need to know that if I can do it, so can they.
Looking back now, I wish more people had understood what dysgraphia was. I wish someone had explained that my struggles weren't a reflection of my intelligence—they were simply a reflection of how my brain processed written language.
Today, I share my story because I don't want another child to grow up believing they aren't smart enough.
If you're a parent, teacher, grandparent, or caregiver, remember this:
Behind the messy handwriting may be an incredible imagination.
Behind the spelling mistakes may be a brilliant mind.
Behind the slow writing may be a child working twice as hard as everyone else.
See the child before you see the handwriting.
Believe in them before they believe in themselves.
My grandpa Bryce always told me growing up that I could be anything I wanted to be if I just put my mind to it. He believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself, and I carry his words with me every single day. Every child—whether they have a learning disability or not—deserves to feel that same belief and encouragement. Sometimes, all it takes is one person who sees their potential the way my grandpa saw mine.
Sometimes one person who understands can change the direction of a child's entire life.
The letters may dance. The pencil may struggle. But a child's potential is never defined by the way they write.
❤️ Love Always,
When The Letters Danced
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