Disorder of written expression

Disorder of written expression
Classification and external resources
Specialty psychiatry
ICD-10 F81.1
ICD-9-CM 315.2

Disorder of written expression is a type of learning disability in which a person’s writing ability falls substantially below normally expected range based on the individual’s age, educational background, and measured intelligence. Poor writing skills must interfere significantly with academic progress or daily activities that involves written expression[1] (spelling, grammar, handwriting, punctuation, word usage, etc.).[2] This disorder is also generally concurrent with disorders of reading and/or mathematics, as well as disorders related to behavior. Since it is so often associated with other learning disorders and mental problems, it is uncertain whether it can appear by itself.[3] The prevalence of disorder of written expression is estimated to be of a similar frequency to other learning disorders, between 3 - 5%. A diagnosis can be made based on results of several assessments.[4][5]

Symptoms

Causes

Specific causes of this disorder are unknown. The interaction of physical, psychological, and environmental factors is thought to contribute to the disorder of written expression. In neuropsychological and neurobiological research, some studies show evidence that abnormally high testosterone levels and abnormalities in cognitive processes (visual-motor, linguistic, attentional, and memory) are thought to play a role in learning disorder cases. The impact of brain injuries in both children and adults can impair any of these cognitive processes.[4]

Treatment

Although disorder for written expressions skills can be difficult and an enduring problem all throughout childhood into adulthood, different types of treatment and support can help individuals who have this disorder to employ strategies and skills in the home and school environment. This includes remedial education tailored to improve specific skills, providing special academic services in the learning environment, and addressing concurrent health and mental issues. It is sometimes necessary to foster motivational techniques to maintain motivation and minimize negative thoughts or feelings. Using whatever modifications are necessary to overcome fears of failure in the early stages of writing mediation is strongly encouraged because children with learning disabilities often experience low self-esteem and confidence, which may further interfere with learning and academic success.[7]

Assessments

Other disabilities often linked with the disorder of written expression

References

  1. ↑ "A 15 Disorder of Written Expression". American Psychiatric Association DSM-5 Development. American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  2. ↑ "Disorder of Written Expression". Psych Central. Psych Central. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  3. ↑ "Written Expression Learning Disorder (Overview)". Medscape Reference. WebMD LLC.
  4. 1 2 The most valuable sources of assessment are considered to be functional assessment of writing skills and standardized test scores.
  5. 1 2 Tests of achievement in written language vary in how they are made up and what methods are used to measure skills, but several of the most well known ones include the Diagnostic Evaluation of Writing Skills (DEWS); the Test of Early Written Language (TEWL); and the Test of Adolescent Language.
  6. ↑ "Written Expression Learning Disorder (Workup)". Medscape Reference. WebMD LLC. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  7. ↑ "Written Expression Learning Disorder (Treatment)". Medscape Reference. WebMD LLC. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  8. ↑ Wheeler, L., Nickerson, S., Long, K., & Silver, R. (2014). Expressive writing in people with traumatic brain injury and learning disability. Neurorehabilitation, 34(1), 29-37. doi:10.3233/NRE-131007
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