Handwriting Deficits in Children With Minimal Brain Dysfunction

Abstract

Fifty hyperactive and learning disabled children were selected for study because of severe handwriting difficulties. Ten handwriting deficits were recognized with great frequency in this sample of students. The children received methylphenidate (Ritalin) or placebo under double-blind conditions. Twenty-six students (52%) showed improvement in overall handwriting following the administration of methylphenidate for four weeks. Many of their handwriting deficits, including letter reversals, improved or disappeared. Placebo had little appreciable effect on the children's handwriting. Direct observation of the students while writing suggested that advances in handwriting skills were related to improved visual-perceptualmotor functioning. We believe that methylphenidate has a direct positive effect on visual-perceptual-motor deficits often found in children with hyperactivity and learning disabilities. A number of practical applications of our findings are suggested.