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Disorder of written expression
Definition:
A disorder resulting from problems in poor writing skills.

Alternative Names:
Written expression disorder

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Three to ten percent of school-age children have some degree of this disorder. Children that have disorder of written expression have trouble in spelling, errors in punctuation, errors in grammar, and poor handwriting. These abilities are generally critical for success in school and college.

This disorder appears by itself or in conjunction with other learning disabilities. Other disabilities linked with the disorder of written expression are: reading disorder, expressive language disorder, mathematics disorder and developmental coordination disorder.
Symptoms:
  • poor spelling
  • errors in grammar
  • errors in punctuation
  • poor handwriting
Signs and tests:
Other causes of learning disabilities will need to be ruled out before the diagnosis can be confirmed.
Treatment:
Remedial education has remained 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 that are concerned about their child's language ability should have the child tested.
Prevention:
Learning disorders run in families. Families should make every effort to recognize problems early. Intervention can begin as early as preschool or kindergarten.
Review Date: 5/26/2001
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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