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Disorder of written expression

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Alternative names   

Written expression disorder

Definition    Return to top

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

Three to 10 percent of school-age children are affected by this disorder to some extent. 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. Other disabilities often linked with the disorder of written expression include the following:

Symptoms    Return to top

Signs and tests    Return to top

Other causes of learning disabilities will need to be ruled out before the diagnosis can be confirmed.

Treatment    Return to top

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

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

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

Complications    Return to top

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

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

Prevention    Return to top

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.

Update Date: 1/26/2003

Updated by: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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