When we write, we want the language we produce to be recognizable to others. Our handwriting should be legible so that it doesn't hinder the reader’s comprehension and our text must conform to established norms when it comes to punctuation, formatting and spelling.
But putting words down on paper is not as straightforward as it may seem. In fact, there’s a complex process of orthographic encoding that we rely on to help us form the letters in words and use them correctly.
If the mechanics involved in writing cause cognitive or physical strain, as is the case with most common handwriting problems, this can affect our thought process and reduce the complexity of our writing. It also results in feelings of frustration and low self-esteem.
For a child with dysgraphia or dyspraxia, conditions that often cause poor handwriting, producing written language is a struggle that can drastically affect performance at school and get in the way of a child expressing him or herself in writing.
