Symptoms of a Writing Problem

My kid does not like to write. How do I know if he has a problem with writing? -- Puzzled
Answer: Writing has become a more important part of our daily lives with all the emailing and texting friends. However, the sad part is that millions of our children do struggle with writing, which puts them at a disadvantage in their daily lives.
Just because your son does not like to write does not necessarily mean he has a writing problem. Discuss this with his teacher, and be sure to look at classmates' writing samples.
Here are some common symptoms exhibited by children as well as adults who have writing problems, according to Neil MacGregor, the vice president of Learner Development for WordQ+SpeakQ.
1. A disconnect (between knowledge and ability to write about it). They can talk about and otherwise demonstrate what they know, but is doesn't get expressed in their writing.
2.Writing is unreasonably slow and careful. Two to three sentences are written in the time that others can write 20 to 30. They know the answer, but it never gets fully expressed because there isn't enough time.
3. They can only write for short periods of time before they seem to get distracted. For some individuals, it can take a huge amount of effort and concentration to spell, read or write. It's no wonder they need frequent breaks, but from the outside they seem easily distracted.
4. They avoid writing. Procrastination and avoidance is rarely a result of mere laziness.
5. They unknowingly leave spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes. It is possible that they are reading what they think is on the page, not what is actually there.