Professional Assessment for Writing and Fine Motor Difficulties.
Specialist Dysgraphia Assessments in Melbourne
Dysgraphia is similar to a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Written Expression in that it describes a disorder in writing ability – this can include difficulties with the mechanics of handwriting, fine motor control, spelling, and written expression. Because writing difficulties can have several underlying causes, a formal assessment is the only reliable way to identify the nature and extent of the difficulty.
At Dyslexia & SLD Assessments Victoria, our dysgraphia/ SLD with impairment in written expression assessments are conducted by qualified specialists, led by our principal psychologist, using comprehensive standardised testing. The result is clear answers about what’s behind the difficulty, along with practical recommendations for support at school, university, or work.
What Our Dysgraphia Assessment Includes
- Handwriting speed and legibility
- Fine motor coordination
- Written expression and composition
- Spelling accuracy
- Processing speed
- Sequencing ability
- Visual-motor integration
- Working memory as it relates to writing tasks
Handwriting is not assessed in isolation – it is assessed in the context of other cognitive and learning abilities.
Who Should Consider a Dysgraphia Assessment
An assessment may be worthwhile for children or adults who experience:
- Slow or illegible handwriting despite practice
- Difficulty organising thoughts in writing
- Inconsistent letter sizing or spacing
- Avoidance of writing tasks
- Fatigue or discomfort during extended writing
- Written output that doesn’t reflect their verbal ability
Many capable students and professionals fall into that last category – articulate in conversation, but persistently struggling to get ideas onto the page. An assessment identifies why, which is the first step towards the right support.
The Assessment Process
- Initial enquiry and booking – call, email, or contact us online to arrange your assessment
- Pre-assessment information gathering – background information collected beforehand to inform the assessment
- Assessment session – conducted face-to-face by a qualified specialist using standardised instruments
- Scoring and analysis – results scored and analysed against standardised norms
- Written report – findings and practical recommendations provided in a comprehensive written report
- Consultation regarding the results provided immediately following the assessment, including options for remediation and support
Why Choose Dyslexia & SLD Assessments Victoria
- Specialists in written expression difficulties – psychologist-led assessment of writing, motor, and cognitive factors
- Standardised, comprehensive tools – evidence-based instruments, not informal checklists
- Clear written reports – practical, actionable recommendations you can take to schools and employers
- Reports accepted for accommodations – supporting applications at schools, universities, and workplaces
- Supportive, professional environment – assessments conducted with patience and care
- Melbourne-based practice – located in East Melbourne; also providing assessments for NDIS clients
Book Your Dysgraphia Assessment Today
If writing difficulties are holding you or your child back, Dyslexia & SLD Assessments Victoria can provide the clarity you need. Book an assessment, or get in touch to discuss whether a dysgraphia assessment is the right step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dysgraphia is a Specific Learning Disorder affecting writing – technically known as a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in written expression. It can involve handwriting legibility and speed, fine motor coordination, spelling, and the ability to organise and express ideas in written form. It occurs in both children and adults and often coexists with other learning difficulties.
The assessment examines handwriting speed and legibility, fine motor coordination, written expression, spelling, processing speed, visual-motor integration, and working memory – using standardised cognitive and educational instruments, with background information gathered beforehand.
As with our other SLD assessments, you should allow approximately 3 to 4 hours of face-to-face assessment time.
Yes. Writing difficulties frequently persist into adulthood undiagnosed, and we assess adults using the same rigorous standard applied to all ages.
Yes. All findings and recommendations are provided in a comprehensive written report following the assessment.
Yes. Our reports are used to support applications for modifications and accommodations at schools, universities, and workplaces – such as extra time, use of a keyboard, or alternative assessment formats.
Handwriting can be untidy for many reasons – practice, habit, or simply personal style. Dysgraphia is different: it’s a persistent, identifiable difficulty affecting writing despite adequate instruction and effort, often accompanied by fatigue, avoidance, and a gap between verbal and written ability. A formal assessment distinguishes between the two. Writing difficulties can also occur alongside reading difficulties – if that sounds familiar, a combined dyslexia assessment or broader SLD assessment may be appropriate.