What is a specific learning disorder in written expression?

A specific learning disorder in written expression (SLD in written expression) is a serious difficulty with using correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentences in writing.

Children with an SLD in written expression have this difficulty even when they’ve had opportunities to learn how to write correctly and have tried very hard to learn. Children with an SLD in written expression still have good ideas and can express them more clearly when speaking.

An SLD in written expression is a type of learning difficulty – that is, a specific, serious and ongoing difficulty in a particular area of learning. It’s a lifelong condition.

Other names for an SLD in written expression are a specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression, written expression disorder or written language disorder.

An SLD in written expression is a natural variation in how the brain processes language. It’s a form of neurodivergence.

What is dysgraphia?

Children with dysgraphia have difficulty with the physical act of writing – for example, handwriting or typing.

Dysgraphia isn’t the same as an SLD in written expression, although these conditions are related. Some children with an SLD in written expression also have dysgraphia.

An SLD in written expression used to be called dysgraphia.

It’s common for children with an SLD in written expression also to have other forms of neurodivergence like ADHD, dyslexia and developmental language disorder.

What are the signs of an SLD in written expression in preschoolers?

Children can have signs of an SLD in written expression in the years before they start school.

At 3-5 years, children might be at risk of developing an SLD in written expression if they dislike or avoid drawing, colouring or craft activities.

They might also be at risk if they have difficulty using basic sentences and grammar when speaking, compared with what’s expected for their age. For example, they might say:

• ‘I walk’ when they mean ‘I walked’
• ‘Mummy shoes’ when they mean ‘Mummy’s shoes’
• ‘I wented to the park’ when they mean ‘I went to the park’.

What are the signs of an SLD in written expression in school-age children?

Signs of an SLD in written expression often become clearer in the early years of primary school, when children are expected to do more writing.

In these years, children might have an SLD in written expression if they:

• struggle with writing but have less difficulty with speaking
• write the same words repeatedly because they have a smaller vocabulary than expected for their age
• make simple grammar mistakes, like leaving out verbs or saying words in the wrong order
• write sentences that are incomplete or don’t make sense
• leave out key details from written stories or reports
• find it hard to remember how to spell or spell words inconsistently or incorrectly
• write slowly or avoid writing tasks altogether
• say things like ‘I don’t know what to write’ or ‘I hate writing’
• get frustrated or upset during writing tasks.

Specific learning disorders can sometimes be harder to spot as children get older because children learn to mask their difficulties.

What are the signs of an SLD in written expression in older children and teenagers?

Signs of an SLD in written expression often become noticeable when children are in later primary and secondary school. In these years, children are often expected to complete written tasks that require more planning, structure and detail.

At this stage of their schooling, children might have an SLD in written expression if they:

• have difficulty planning and structuring longer pieces of writing, like essays or reports, compared with what’s expected for their age
• have difficulty understanding writing conventions like punctuation and paragraphs
• have trouble adapting their writing for different tasks, like creative writing, essays or lab reports
• produce much less written work than expected for their age
• avoid writing tasks or rush through them
• show strong speaking skills that aren’t matched by their writing ability
• avoid homework that involves writing.

If you think your child might have an SLD in written expression, it’s important to have it checked out as early as possible. Early assessment and diagnosis mean your child can get earlier support.

How is an SLD in written expression diagnosed?

Step 1: talk with your child’s teacher

Ask your child’s teacher about:

• what classroom support your child is getting for their writing
• whether your child can join a special writing skills group at school
• whether you and your child’s school can develop an individual learning plan for your child
• what support options your child can get outside of school.

Step 2: seek specialist advice

If your child continues to struggle with writing even after they get extra help at school, it’s best to seek professional advice.

You could start by talking to your GP or paediatrician, a psychologist or a speech pathologist. These professionals can direct you to appropriate services and support and help your child get a formal assessment.

You don’t need a GP referral to see a psychologist or speech pathologist. But a GP might be able to refer your child to a specialist or clinic that offers assessments at a lower cost.

Step 3: get a formal assessment

Your child might see a psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. The psychologist might use a range of tests to assess your child’s current skills compared to what’s typical for their age and grade level. This also helps the psychologist identify your child’s strengths and particular support needs.

For more information about assessment, you can try contacting your nearest Auspeld (Australian Federation of SPELD Associations) branch.

What are the best therapies and supports for an SLD in written expression?

If your child has an SLD in written expression, the earlier they get specialised support, the better their chances of making good progress. Early and specialised support for learning can also boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Supports include learning support and assistive technologies.

Learning support

• Specialist small group programs at school
• One-on-one tutoring with a specialist teacher
• Educational adjustments

Educational adjustments might include a reduction in the number of written tasks your child has to do or the flexibility to give oral rather than written presentations.

Assistive technologies

• Talking spell checkers
• Advanced word processers
• Speech-to-text or typing software
• Word prediction tools
• Graphic organisers
• Mind mapping tools
• Writing support apps

Kids and teens with an SLD in written expression have many strengths. When you identify and understand your child’s strengths, you can help your child make the most of them. Identifying your child’s strengths starts with looking out for things they do well. This might be skills, talents or personal qualities.

How can you support your child with an SLD in written expression?

Advocate for your child

• Learn as much as you can about your child’s SLD in written expression and work with your child’s school to make sure your child’s needs, interests and rights are met.
• Keep in close touch with your child’s teacher and other professionals. Ask them about how your child is progressing and how to support your child at home.

Help your child feel good about themselves

• Explain to your child that they learn differently from others and their SLD in written expression has nothing to do with how smart they are. Your child’s psychologist can give you ideas for talking with your child about their learning difficulties.
• Praise your child’s effort and successes, whether it’s in the classroom or in other areas like sport, drama or music.
• Build your child’s confidence, resilience and self-compassion. Find out how in our articles on resilience for children, self-compassion for children, resilience for pre-teens and teenagers, self-compassion for pre-teens and teenagers and confidence for pre-teens and teenagers.

Support your child’s learning at home

• Read with your child, listen to stories and use audiobooks. This can help your child learn how sentences work and make it easier for them to turn their ideas into writing.
• Encourage your child to use technologies for typing, speech-to-text or word prediction. These can make writing easier, reduce stress and frustration, and allow your child to focus on sharing their ideas.
• Help your child use tools like planners and graphic organisers. These tools can help your child organise ideas. They can also make big tasks feel more manageable.

An SLD in written expression is an accepted disability under the Australian Disability Discrimination Act. Your child has the right to the same educational opportunities as other students. You can read more in our articles on disability law in Australia, anti-discrimination laws in Australia and education rights for children with disability.

What causes an SLD in written expression?

We don’t know what causes an SLD in written expression, but there are several factors that play a role.

These factors include:

• a family history of learning difficulties or ADHD
• differences in the way the brain processes information
• things that affect the brain before, during or shortly after birth, like being born early or having a low birth weight.