Who can diagnose dysgraphia?

[Rhonda in TX]

I strongly suspect DS has it, and I feel like it's time to get a proper diagnosis. However, I have no clue where to go. What are my options?

[wapiti]

I admit I haven't gotten around to looking at the DSM criteria and I can't even find it right now - I wouldn't rely entirely on this wiki article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disorder_of_written_expression , though it lists a few possible tests. My understanding is that you'd need to see a psych to get an official diagnosis contained in the DSM (dysgraphia = "disorder of written expression").

 

For our psych, some combination of a low processing speed and possibly a certain score on tests from an OT may be involved, though that may depend on the particular situation. HTH

[DyslexicParent]

Diagnostic criteria for 315.2 Disorder of Written Expression

 

A. Writing skills, as measured by individually administered standardized tests (or functional assessments of writing skills), are substantially below those expected given the person's chronological age, measured intelligence, and age-appropriate education.

B. The disturbance in Criterion A significantly interferes with academic achievement or activities of daily living that require the composition of written texts (e.g., writing grammatically correct sentences and organized paragraphs).

C. If a sensory deficit is present, the difficulties in writing skills are in excess of those usually associated with it.

[RamonaQ]

neurospychiatrist diagnosed for us

[TheReader]

we used an Educational Psychologist and that was part of her diagnosis. If you are near Houston and would like her name, i'd be happy to pass you her info. I don't know what part of Texas you're in, though.

[Tiramisu]

I would say a neuropsych. Based on our experience, I would not recommend an OT for a dysgraphia evaluation unless I was paying privately and insurance was not involved.

[SailorMom]

Neuropsych.

 

I'd love to say an OT can do this, but half the time (or more) they have no idea.

[Butter]

An educational psychologist diagnosed Wil.

[Rhonda in TX]

Thank you for all your input.

[Julie of KY]

I went to a psych for diagnosis.

 

I started at OT, not for a diagnosis however. I was sure my son was dysgraphic, but I wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing anything on the OT side of things. I'm glad we went that route for my peace of mind. The psych gave us a wonderful evaluation and information.