High Prevalence of Dysgraphia in Elementary Through High School Students With ADHD and Autism. Issue 8 (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mayes, Susan D.; Breaux, Rosanna P.; Calhoun, Susan L.; Frye, Sara S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 23:Issue 8(2019)
• Page Start: 787
• Page End: 796
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: dysgraphia -- handwriting -- ADHD -- autism -- Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054717720721
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: Prevalence of dysgraphia by age across all grade levels was determined in students with ADHD or autism.Method: Referred children with normal intelligence and ADHD–Combined, ADHD–Inattentive, or autism ( N = 1, 034) were administered the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC).Results: VMI and WISC Coding scores were significantly lower than IQ and the normal mean of 100 for all diagnoses. More than half (59%) had dysgraphia, and 92% had a weakness in graphomotor ability relative to other abilities. Dysgraphia prevalence did not differ between diagnostic or age groups (6-7 years, 56%; 8-10 years, 60%; and 11-16 years, 61%).Conclusion: Dysgraphia is common at all ages in children and adolescents with ADHD and autism. Accommodations and strategies for addressing this problem are discussed.