Dysgraphia · 3rd–5th Grade
Dysgraphia in 3rd-5th Grade
In third through fifth grade, writing becomes the main way children demonstrate what they have learned. When getting words onto paper is the hard part, a capable student's work can badly misrepresent their ability.
Serving Long Island & Queens, NY
what to look for
What to look for in 3rd through 5th grade
- •The reading load takes far longer than it should
- •Struggles with timed tests and standardized exams
- •Persistent spelling and writing difficulties
- •Difficulty with foreign-language classes
- •Avoids reading-heavy courses; confidence and motivation drop
- •Needs — but may not yet have — accommodations like extended time
It’s not too late. Answers in high school can change a student’s trajectory into college and beyond.
Why this stage matters
Why this stage matters
By this point, writing is embedded in nearly every subject, from science responses to book reports. Children who struggle here are often labeled careless or unmotivated, when the real issue is that written output costs them far more effort than it costs their classmates. An evaluation replaces that misread with an accurate picture — and with accommodations that let their knowledge show.
More than handwriting
What a dysgraphia evaluation looks at
We look at handwriting, spelling, and written expression alongside the memory, attention, and organizational skills that writing draws on.
Every evaluation is individualized based on your child’s history, concerns, and profile — never a one-size-fits-all package.
The process
How the evaluation works
Consultation
We discuss concerns, history, and the questions you want answered.
Records review
We review school reports, records, and previous testing.
Testing
Two to three in-person testing sessions, about two hours each.
Interpretation
Dr. Duhning integrates and synthesizes the data.
Report
We meet virtually to review the findings, recommendations, and written report.
Roadmap
You leave knowing what your child needs and what to do next.
Does your child’s writing hide what they actually know?
An evaluation can identify why — and what support will change it.
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