Writing difficulties refer to challenges that affect a person’s ability to express their thoughts and ideas clearly in written form. These difficulties can include:
- Having trouble organising thoughts
- Spelling
- Using the correct grammar
- Handwriting
- Typing
Research suggests that approximately 7-10% of school-aged children experience writing challenges linked to language processing or motor skills difficulties (Stoeckel et al., 2013).
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assess and support written language skills by providing evidence-based strategies to strengthen grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and idea organisation, helping to build confidence and develop the skills needed for effective written communication.
At Pop, we empower children to express themselves confidently by providing engaging sessions and tailored tools and strategies to strengthen your child’s writing and communication abilities.
If you have concerns about your child’s writing ability, you don’t need to go through it alone! Pop offers free discovery calls to see if speech therapy is the next best step for your child.
What are Language and Literacy Skills?
Both language and literacy skills are key in supporting a child in their writing ability, giving them the confidence to clearly communicate and express themselves.
Language skills involve the ability to understand others and express one’s needs, thoughts, and feelings through verbal or non-verbal communication. They help us effectively follow instructions, have meaningful conversations, explain ideas, and understand stories.
Literacy skills focus on reading, writing, and understanding written text, such as reading a recipe, writing a story, or completing a form.
When a person has a writing difficulty and/or disorder, such as Dysgraphia, they may find it challenging to organise their thoughts and formulate sentences (language) or spell and write sentences (literacy), which can lead to feelings of frustration with writing tasks.
Understanding Writing Disorders
A writing disorder is a difficulty with expressing oneself in written form that goes beyond typical challenges children may face when learning to write. It can affect a person’s ability to organise their thoughts, use correct grammar, and spell words accurately.
While Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) don’t diagnose writing disorders directly, they play a key role in overcoming and identifying underlying language-related challenges that contribute to writing difficulties.
For example, if a person struggles to organise their thoughts or use proper grammar, an SLP can assess and address these areas of concern, which are often linked to writing difficulties. SLPs can also make a referral to a relevant health professional, such as an educational psychologist who can assess and diagnose a writing disorder.
Does Your Child Have Signs of Writing Difficulties? Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More
Causes and Challenges
While many people develop writing skills naturally as they grow, persistent difficulties beyond the expected developmental age may require intervention (American Speech-Language Hearing Association).
Writing disorders can develop due to various factors, including neurological differences a child is born with (such as Dysgraphia or Dyslexia), language delays, motor coordination challenges, or environmental influences like childhood trauma or limited access to early literacy experiences.
Without support, a person with a writing disorder may struggle with low confidence, frustration, and falling behind in school or other educational settings, as writing is a key part of most subjects.
These difficulties can also impact their social interactions, making it harder to express themselves or keep up with peers.
Families may experience stress during homework time, teachers might find it challenging to meet the child’s needs in a busy classroom, and peers might misunderstand their struggles.
Looking for Signs of Writing Difficulties?
Benefits of Early Intervention in Speech Therapy
- Improved Communication Skills: Early intervention helps children develop clearer and more effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
- Enhanced Confidence: Early support boosts a child’s self-esteem, helping them feel more capable and motivated to tackle writing tasks.
- Reduced Frustration: Children are less likely to become overwhelmed or frustrated with writing tasks when they receive targeted therapy early on.
- Better Organisation and Structure: Early intervention helps children organise their thoughts and ideas, improving their ability to write in a clear and logical way.
- Prevention of Future Struggles: Addressing writing difficulties early can prevent them from becoming bigger challenges later on in school or daily life.
- Faster Progress: The earlier writing difficulties are identified and addressed, the quicker children can develop the skills they need to succeed in writing tasks.
The Role of Speech Therapy in Enhancing Writing Skills
Speech therapy plays an important role in addressing the underlying language and literacy challenges that are affecting a child’s writing ability.
Speech therapists help individuals improve their ability to organise their thoughts, use correct grammar, expand vocabulary and strengthen their spelling skills.
Ways that a speech pathologist may support a child with writing difficulties are:
- Encouraging individuals to express their ideas verbally before writing them down: This allows them to structure their thoughts, build confidence, and refine their language skills in a way that makes writing easier and more accessible.
- Using story sequencing and sentence-building: This strengthens language skills needed for effective writing.
- Working on phonological awareness and decoding: This builds literacy skills which are critical for spelling and reading comprehension.
- Introducing assistive tools: This includes everything from pencil grips and lined paper to touch screens and text-to-speech, which can reduce frustration and make writing more accessible.
- Collaborating with educators, occupational therapists and other health professionals to address the motor, cognitive, and environmental factors.
By focusing on these areas, speech pathologists empower individuals to communicate their ideas confidently and succeed in both academic and everyday writing tasks.
Parents and carers can build a child’s confidence in writing by creating a supportive and enjoyable environment. Here are some simple tips:
Praise their effort rather than focusing on mistakes.
Encourage talking through ideas before writing.
Help them organise their thoughts with tools like story maps or sentence starters.
Encourage writing through fun, everyday activities like making a shopping list, keeping a simple journal, or writing notes to family members.
Complete interactive activities, like writing cards or creating comics.
Read together to inspire creativity and improve vocabulary.
These everyday tasks can make writing feel less intimidating and more engaging, helping children develop confidence in their writing skills.
Impact on Academic and Social Development
Early speech therapy can positively influence academic performance and social interactions, including a child’s overall wellbeing. Here’s how:
Improved Reading and Writing Skills: Early speech therapy helps children become better at reading and writing, making schoolwork easier and less effortful.
Boosted Confident: With better communication skills, children feel more comfortable participating in class and sharing their ideas in written form.
Improved Listening Skills: Speech therapy encourages active listening, which is essential for following instructions, participating in class discussions, and understanding lessons.
Improved Relationships: As their writing and speaking skills improve, children can express themselves more clearly with friends and family, leading to better social connections.
Increased Independence: With better communication skills, children are able to express their needs and ask for help when needed, promoting independence in both school and social settings.
Improved Wellbeing: By reducing frustrations with communication, early speech therapy helps children feel more relaxed and happy, supporting their overall emotional health.
Long-term Outcomes of Early Speech Therapy
- Improved Academic Success: Early speech therapy lays the foundation for strong reading, writing, and language skills, leading to continued academic achievement.
- Stronger Social Skills: With better communication abilities, children are more likely to develop lasting friendships and successfully navigate social situations throughout life.
- Increased Career Opportunities: Strong communication skills developed through early intervention can open doors to a wider range of career options in the future.
- Better Emotional Wellbeing: Overcoming early speech challenges leads to greater self-esteem, emotional resilience, and a positive outlook on learning and social interactions.
Start Your Speech Therapy Journey with Pop Family Today!
Speech therapy can help children overcome writing challenges by improving their language and literacy skills as well as, boosting their confidence in communication. Early intervention is key, as it can lead to better academic performance, stronger social skills, and improved emotional wellbeing.
Ready to start your speech therapy journey with Pop?
Discover the difference Pop Online Speech Therapy can have in your child’s life by booking a free discovery call.
References:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Speech and language disorders in children. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/
Stoeckel, R. E., McHugh, K. E., & O’Malley, A. C. (2013). Early intervention for children with writing disorders: The role of speech-language pathologists. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 56(3), 872-883. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2012/12-0171)
Berninger, V. W., & Abbott, R. D. (2013). Executive function and the functional impact of writing disorders in children. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 46(6), 516-528. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219413486272
Graham, S., & Perin, D. (2007). Writing next: Effective strategies to improve writing of adolescents in middle and high schools. A Report to Carnegie Corporation of New York. Alliance for Excellent Education. Retrieved from https://all4ed.org/reports-factsheets/writingnext/
Shaywitz, S. E., & Shaywitz, B. A. (2008). Reading and writing disorders: Their functional impact on academic and social development. Pediatrics, 121(6), e1525–e1531. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-2712
Snow, C. E. (2010). Academic language and the challenge of reading for understanding. American Educator, 34(4), 8-13. Retrieved from https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/Snow.pdf
