Handwriting in adults with Down syndrome

Although there is growing awareness about the potential for people with Down syndrome (DS) to become literate, we know little about the characteristics of handwriting within this population.

Thirty-three participants took part in this experiment. Eleven adults with DS and 22 typically developing individuals (11 children matched on mental age and 11 adults matched on chronological age) performed a copy task. A French adaptation of the Concise Evaluation Scale for Children's Handwriting (BHK) was used to assess speed and quality.

Handwriting of adults with DS was relatively similar to that of the mental age control group, but comparisons with the chronological age control group showed differences on quality and spatial organisation.

Results revealed that adults with DS are capable of producing acceptable writing. Observed differences could be explained by the mode of movement control involved in production. Implications for future research and education are discussed.