Motor Skills in Intellectually Gifted Children: A Neuropsychological Investigation

Researches on motor skills in intellectually gifted children (IGC) are Insufficient to establish a clear profile of their motor functioning and understanding their potential needs. This study aimed to characterize motor skills in 30 IGC (Intelligence Quotient ≥130) compared with 35 typically developing children (TDC) with an intelligence level in the average range, aged from 6 to 16 years. A thorough theory-driven exploratory examination of motor skills was carried out to explore distinct components described in the cognitive models of apraxia. Results of IGC were compared with those of TDC for neuropsychological performance-based and rating measures, and the presence of neurological soft signs (NSS). IGC did not differ from TDC on most of neuropsychological measures, except those of handwriting skills (at school age) where they demonstrated a weaker performance in quality. For the IGC concerned, these are generally associated with more NSS and motor complaints in daily life than the TDC. Superior performances were evidenced in measures requiring planning ability. This study did not find clear evidence for differences in motor skills between IGC and TDC. While a few IGC may develop handwriting problems as a group, they do not seem to be at risk for motor/praxis difficulties.