Designing a Writing Grip for Children with Down Syndrome that Can Enhance Learning Process, Reduce Writing Exhaustion and Improve Quality of Life

Abstract

Currently, there is a major lack of funding for research regarding Down syndrome (DS) cases compared with other conditions. As a result, it is clear that in today’s world, the development expectations of individuals with DS have been underestimated. A common problem in this environment occurs because many children with DS have dexterity issues that make manipulating small objects and grasping a pen particularly difficult. In an attempt to provide DS children with the ability to write longer with no discomfort, our proposed solution is a novel attachable pen grip that quantifies forces applied by the human hand while grasping the pen to write. Initially, data from a comprehensive questionnaire was collected on grip styles, writing speed, and how many words are written. Several other research methodologies were used, such as surveys, observations and interviews. Participants included experts, specialists, individuals with DS and families of children with DS. In executing this work, we gained a better understanding of the difficulties the child is facing and we were able to refine the design to best accommodate their needs. The market gap and limited writing tools for children with DS motivated this study to create the suitable product to reduce cramping, improve handwriting practice and to fulfil the physical and emotional need for children with DS. The overall potential benefit of the envisioned product is to improve the quality of life for these children and ease the minds of their caregivers.