Dysgraphia · Middle School
Dysgraphia in Middle School
Middle school multiplies writing demands — several teachers, longer assignments, and constant note-taking. Students who have been quietly compensating often hit a wall here.
Serving Long Island & Queens, NY
what to look for
What to look for in middle school
- •Notes that are incomplete or unusable because writing can’t keep pace with the teacher
- •Essays and long assignments that take dramatically longer than they should
- •A clear gap between strong class participation and much weaker written work
- •Written assignments that come out disorganized even when the material is understood
- •Putting off written work until the last minute, or turning it in unfinished
- •Noticeably stronger output when allowed to type or answer out loud
Middle school is where compensating stops working — the volume of writing simply outpaces the workarounds.
Why this stage matters
Why this stage matters
As students move between classrooms and teachers, no single adult sees the full pattern, so a long-standing writing difficulty can be mistaken for disorganization or lack of effort. Meanwhile grades increasingly depend on written output. An evaluation at this stage clarifies what is actually happening and opens the door to supports like typing, note-taking accommodations, and extended time.
More than handwriting
What a dysgraphia evaluation looks at
The evaluation distinguishes writing mechanics from executive functioning and attention, so the plan fits the real profile.
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.
Is written work costing your child far more than it should?
An evaluation provides answers and a practical plan for school.
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