Symptoms of dysgraphia

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Symptoms of dysgraphia

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Dysgraphia, simply explained, means difficulty or poor handwriting. There are three types. There is dyslexia dysgraphia. That is characterized by individuals who are having difficulty with the spelling when they write. They may omit words. They may put words in. Also, if they are writing freely, creative writing, it looks wonky. If they are writing from the board, it's a lot better. The second type is motor dysgraphia. With that, there's a problem with the muscles in handwriting. If they are creative writing, it looks okay for a while. Copying from the board, it looks okay for a little while. The spelling is okay. They don't omit words; but as they continue to write and get fatigued, their handwriting gets worse and worse. The third type is spatial dysgraphia. This is the worst of the bunch. So, whether they are writing freely or copying from the board, usually only mom can make it out. These individuals, the words are all smashed together. There are too many spaces, too many letters in one word, they are up and down. The age that these are diagnosed varies from kid to kid. It depends on the age of the kid and the severity of the symptoms. If they are really severe, you will see it early on. Most of these kids are diagnosed later on, when they are being treated for something else like dyslexia or ADD.

Watch Video: Symptoms of dysgraphia by Angela Gonzales, MD, ...

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Angela Gonzales, MD

Dyslexia & ADD Specialist

Dr. Angela L. Gonzales (Dr. Angie) is a Pediatrician, Licensed Davis Facilitator, transformational speaker, and mother of three. Currently, Dr. Angie owns and runs Renaissance Mind in Norco, CA.  Renaissance Mind is a Learning Facility where Dr. Angie uses both her Davis Facilitator License and medical expertise. Through Renaissance Mind, she is able to help clients, educators and parents learn skills and techniques that help overcome the obstacles of learning that accompany the unique thinking styles of those with Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Renaissance Mind programs utilize multiple, non-pharmaceutical, techniques that are tactile, fun, and unique to each client.  The programs also include help with focusing, comprehension, math skills, reading and handwriting skills.  As a transformational and instructional speaker and educator, Dr. Angie has dedicated herself to helping others, of all ages, to find joy and peace in their lives.  Through Renaissance Mind she offers multiple educational courses and workshops that aid individuals on their path to total wellness of mind, body and soul.

Prior to running Renaissance Mind, Dr. Angie received her BA in Physiology from the University of California at San Diego and then went on to obtain a doctorate in medicine from Drew/UCLA School of Medicine.  She completed her pediatric residency at Martin Luther King Hospital and then spent an additional year as Chief Resident to aid in teaching pediatric residents. Following her medical training she worked in Downey, California as a general pediatrician for seven years.  During this time she served on multiple committees both at the clinic and hospital.  

As Dr. Angie's family grew she transitioned her time from the clinic to time with her children, trading her full time practice for part time work covering other physicians’ practices when necessary. As her youngest child’s school experience increased in difficulty, she left medicine to aid in his education. Despite her efforts at homeschooling, her son continued to have learning challenges.  It wasn’t until she found a Davis® Facilitator that her son began to have success in school. She saw the success in her son defined by increasing reading ability, appropriate coping mechanisms and improving self esteem and confidence.  Her son’s success was her inspiration to go back to work, but not as a physician, as a Davis® Facilitator. As she began her journey, providing answers for those with learning differences, she realized that the sum total of the individual was far more than just their ability to learn.  She began to work with the total individual to promote total wellness.  This led her into her other passion: helping to heal the whole person. 

Dr. Angie was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and is a product of the Los Angeles Unified School District. She currently resides in Riverside, CA with her husband of 23 years, her four children (including her nephew) and three dogs.

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