Dysgraphia: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for a sudden loss of writing ability together with symptoms such as facial drooping, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, severe confusion, or a sudden severe headache.

   These can be signs of a stroke or another neurological emergency rather than developmental dysgraphia.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical advice if handwriting changes after a head injury or is accompanied by a new tremor, weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, confusion, or significant hand pain.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine assessment if writing difficulties are persistent, clearly greater than expected, or interfering with school, work, or daily tasks.

   Children may benefit from both an educational evaluation and a health review, especially when there are concerns about movement, attention, language, vision, or pain.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dysgraphia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.