Exploring the participation of children with Down Syndrome in Handwriting Without Tears®

Journal article

Patton, S. and Hutton, E. 2017. Exploring the participation of children with Down Syndrome in Handwriting Without Tears®. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. 10 (2), pp. 171-184. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2017.1292485
AuthorsPatton, S. and Hutton, E.
Abstract

Background

Children with Down Syndrome typically experience difficulties with attention to task and lack motivation when learning to write. This article provides an evaluation of the HWT® method applied as an intervention to promote handwriting amongst children with Down Syndrome attending mainstream school in The Republic of Ireland.

Methods

In the absence of standardised measures, a purpose-designed group task participation scale and pre- and post-intervention teacher/parent questionnaire were developed by the first author and used to investigate the participation of 40 children with Down Syndrome in HWT® activities.

Results

Positive changes in participation in HWT® activities were recorded in group data and in teacher/parent report.

Conclusions

Hands-on multisensory learning approaches such as HWT® may encourage children with Down Syndrome to participate in activities that promote handwriting skills. Further research and the development of robust measures to evaluate handwriting intervention for this population of children is required

Year2017
JournalJournal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention
Journal citation10 (2), pp. 171-184
PublisherTaylor & Francis
ISSN1941-1243
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2017.1292485
Publication dates
Online16 Mar 2017
Print16 Mar 2017
Publication process dates
Deposited08 Feb 2017
Accepted06 Feb 2017
Accepted author manuscript
Accepted author manuscript
Accepted author manuscript
Output statusPublished
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/880z8/exploring-the-participation-of-children-with-down-syndrome-in-handwriting-without-tears

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