Health Encyclopedia

Home | List of Topics | Children's Health | General Pediatrics

Disorder of written expression

Definition

Disorder of written expression is a childhood condition characterized by poor writing skills.

Alternative Names

Written expression disorder

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Although no systematic studies of the prevalence of this disorder have been conducted, it is believed to be about 6%, or as common as learning and reading disorders. Children with disorder of written expression have trouble with spelling, make frequent errors in punctuation and grammar, and have poor handwriting.

This disorder appears by itself or in conjunction with other learning disabilities such as:

• Reading disorder
• Expressive language disorder
• Mathematics disorder
• Developmental coordination disorder

Symptoms

• Poor spelling
• Errors in grammar
• Errors in punctuation
• Poor handwriting

Signs and tests

Other causes of learning disabilities must be ruled out before the diagnosis can be confirmed.

Treatment

Remedial education is the best approach to this type of disorder.

Expectations (prognosis)

The degree of recovery depends on the severity of the disorder. Marked improvement is often seen after treatment.

Complications

• Problems with socialization
• Learning problems
• Low self-esteem

Calling your health care provider

Parents who are concerned about their child's language ability should have the child tested by educational professionals.

Prevention

Learning disorders often run in families. Affected or potentially affected families should make every effort to recognize problems early. Intervention can begin as early as preschool or kindergarten.

Review Date:11/15/2006
Reviewed By:Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.