If you have a child who struggles with reading, you might notice they also struggle with physical tasks like holding a pencil or buttoning a shirt. New research confirms this link. A large review of 100 different studies found that people with developmental dyslexia show a medium level of impairment in fine motor skills compared to those without the condition.
This difficulty is not just about language. Even when children have strong speaking and listening skills, they still show significant struggles with manual dexterity and handwriting speed. These differences are noticeable from childhood all the way through adulthood, though the gap narrows slightly as children move into their teenage years.
While this study does not prove that one cause leads to the other, it highlights a clear connection between how the brain processes language and how it controls small muscle movements. For parents and teachers, these motor tasks could be helpful tools for identifying children who might need extra support early on.
