New research sheds light on writing disorders

May 1, 2009 Now a new study suggests writing disorders are just as common as reading disabilities and are most likely to affect boys. One such disorder is dysgraphia, which includes problems with handwriting, spelling and organizing thoughts on paper.

While the majority of children diagnosed with a writing problem also had a reading disability, researchers say one-fourth of those studied only had a writing issue.

As for why boys have more writing problems than girls, the study in the journal Pediatrics says the gender gap issue needs more research.