The ability to write at an age-appropriate level is required for all academic progress. For some children, the acquisition of written expression skills is a difficult and enduring problem. In fact, it is uncertain if the isolated disorder of written expression exists. Not infrequently, writing is the most significant stumbling block for a child. The diagnosis of written language disorder can help point the way toward necessary treatment and support.
Writing is a complex task requiring the mastery and integration of a number of subskills.
The process of writing connects cognition, language, and motor skills. Some children have difficulties in one aspect of the process, such as producing legible handwriting or spelling, while other children have difficulty organizing and sequencing their ideas. Difficulties in one area can delay skill development in the other areas, as practice of all writing skills may be impeded. Children with written expression difficulties can find essential activities at school, such as note taking, to be insurmountable tasks. Note taking requires listening, comprehending, retaining information while continuing to process new information, and summarizing the important points into a useful format.