Predictors of handwriting in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

During writing, perceptual, motor, and cognitive processes interact. This study explored the predictive value of several factors on handwriting quality as well as on speed in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our results showed that, in this population, age, gender, and visual-motor integration significantly predicted handwriting quality, whereas age, reading abilities, and fine motor coordination had an impact on handwriting speed. These results indicate that, although reading abilities are often overlooked, handwriting remediation in children with ASD should tackle reading skills as well.

► Age, gender, and visual-motor integration predict writing quality in children with ASD.
► Age, reading abilities, and fine motor coordination predict writing speed in children with ASD.
► Handwriting remediation should focus on reading skills in children with ASD as well.