Handwriting Deficits in Children with Autism

Children with autistic spectrum disorder had deficits in the ability to form letters but not in the ability to correctly size, align, and space letters.

Hans Asperger, who described a high-functioning form of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in 1943, observed in one of his original patients: “. . .this motorically clumsy child had atrocious handwriting. . .The pen did not obey him.” Problems in fine and gross motor development are often described in children with ASD; many of these children have a coexisting developmental coordination disorder. Less attention has been given to their handwriting.

In a case-control study, investigators used standardized tests for analyzing components of handwriting, aptitude, and subtle motor skills in 14 children with ASD and 14 typically developing control children. The diagnosis of ASD was based on standardized observational and questionnaire assessments. C…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics