Last week, the Dysgraphia Life Webinar Series featured an insightful presentation on dysgraphia research priorities by our very Jennifer C. King, PhD (President & Founder) and Amy Copeland, MPH (VP, Board of Directors). The session, part of the Dysgraphia Life Expert Webinar series and part of a project generously funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), aimed to shed light on the critical areas of research necessary for advancing our understanding and support for individuals with dysgraphia.
Some highlights of the webinar were:
Understanding Dysgraphia
Dr. King and Copeland discussed the inherent challenges associated with dysgraphia, such as the lack of standardized assessments, unclear prevalence, and overlap with other learning disabilities. They emphasized the need for more precise definitions and screening methods to identify dysgraphia earlier and more accurately, reinforcing that better understanding is the first step toward effective intervention.
Community-Driven Research
One of the standout points was the shift from researcher-driven to community-driven research. They highlighted how Dysgraphia Life is advocating for research models that prioritize the voices of those directly impacted by dysgraphia—students, parents, educators, and clinicians. This collaborative approach, they noted, is essential for developing practical and impactful strategies that address real-world needs.
Research Prioritization - Modified Delphi Study
The presentation outlined their modified Delphi study, a participatory method used to gather consensus on research priorities from a diverse panel of experts, including researchers, neuropsychologists, educators, and individuals affected by dysgraphia. The study's iterative rounds of feedback ensured thorough consideration and refinement of research priorities, fostering a highly inclusive research agenda.
Top Research Priorities
The expert panel identified and prioritized critical topics based on urgency, feasibility, and equity value. The top priorities were:
Professional training on dysgraphia.
Screening and diagnosis methods.
Integrating supports into school systems.
Comparing and developing interventions.
Next Steps
Dr. King and Copeland shared plans for the dissemination of the research priorities to raise awareness and foster collaboration among diverse research teams, including clinicians, educators, and individuals with dysgraphia. They encouraged participants to join their research interest list and engage in upcoming projects.
The call to action was clear: share the research priority list, participate in forming research teams, and maintain open communication channels for collaboration and sharing ideas.
You involvment is crucial as we strive to build a better-informed, supportive community for those with dysgraphia. Let's continue to work together toward meaningful change and understanding!
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