The Effectiveness of iPad Handwriting Applications on Improving Visual Motor and Handwriting Skills in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of iPad handwriting applications in improving visual motor, fine motor, and handwriting skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There have been no... [ view full abstract ]

The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of iPad handwriting applications in improving visual motor, fine motor, and handwriting skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There have been no significant findings on effective intervention strategies to address the fact that children with ASD have deficits in fine motor control and visual motor integration that result in handwriting difficulties.
Handwriting is a complex process involving interactions among the physical, cognitive, and sensory systems; there is evidence that children with ASD have impairments in these systems, which can result in handwriting difficulties (Kushki, 2011). Children with ASD are also commonly affected by a variety of other deficits that may impact their handwriting abilities; namely, a lack of fine motor control, decreased visual perceptual skills, lack of visual motor integration, and deficits in kinesthesia. Handwriting is not only a vital skill throughout the lifespan, but also an important occupation for school-aged children. If the use of the iPad applications as an intervention proves to be successful in developing these necessary skills for future success in handwriting within this population, their occupational performance could be positively impacted. This would therefore allow children with ASD to participate in their school-based environments with ease and equal opportunity.