Pencil Grip in Students with Mental Retardation

This survey research investigates the relationship between pencil grip and some important factors in students with mental retardation.

126 students with mental retardation (53 girls and 73 boys), ranging from 9 to 19 educating in grades 1st to 5th in two exceptional children schools in Shahr-e Rey, were assessed. Those students having anatomical, neurological, orthopedic, behavioral, severe vision and hearing difficulties were already excluded. A handwriting checklist developed by the researchers was administered.

Correlation coefficient showed that there exists a significant positive relationship between pencil grip and handwriting (r = 0/381, p < 0/0001). No meaningful relationship was observed between pencil grip and handwriting speed. Also, no meaningful difference was found between right- or left-handed students, between males and female students, between students with and without Down s syndrome.

This study stresses on the corrective treatments for pencil grip that may help better handwriting.