HANDWRITING analysis is now being utilized for the early detection of neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through an AI-powered smart pen developed by Thomasian researchers.
“iSULAT,” or Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment, and Testing, was designed to automate and standardize a handwriting assessment tool for a more efficient and objective diagnosis system.
The project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences.
“Handwriting is a deeply personal and unique form of expression, reflecting the individuality of each person. This distinctiveness makes it both a valuable communication tool and a potential window into a person’s cognitive and motor skills,” lead researcher Assoc. Prof. Edison Roxas, chair of the Department of Electronics Engineering, said.
Research shows that children with ADHD often display weaker motor skills, which affect handwriting legibility. Handwriting disorders are especially common among those with neurodevelopmental, motor, or visual impairments.
Assoc. Prof. Ivan Gomez of the Department of Occupational Therapy described handwriting as a “window to a child’s development.”
“The decision to explore Autism and ADHD using a smart pen is rooted in strong scientific evidence, the potential for early detection, and the opportunity to improve intervention strategies,” Gomez said.
“Early detection of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD is necessary for early intervention and better outcomes,” he added.
At its core, iSULAT features a data acquisition pen (DAP) equipped with multiple sensors that record stroke patterns, pressure, angles, speed, and grip force.
The software processes the data to evaluate legibility, alignment, spacing, and speed, generating quantitative assessments that support early screening for neurodevelopmental conditions.
According to Gomez, this automation reduces reliance on human judgment and enhances the precision of assessments, unlike traditional handwriting evaluation tools that depend on manual evaluation by occupational therapists.
“Demonstrating differences in their handwriting patterns could help us better understand these conditions through an objective and scientific lens, beyond the traditional behavioral models we have framed them,” Gomez said.
Roxas added that part of the project’s goal is to address the shortage of occupational therapists and make the product accessible to remote areas.
A UST Graduate School study found that the country is facing a shortage of occupational therapists, with only one available for every 30,000 individuals in need, making early assessment challenging.
“This collaboration enhances the system’s impact and broadens its scope in addressing handwriting challenges among various communities,” he said.
“These findings reinforce iSULAT’s potential as a versatile and inclusive tool, not only for standard handwriting assessment but also for broader applications in education, mental health, and social equity.”
Over 15 units of iSULAT have already been tested in three schools across Luzon: Juan Sumulong Elementary School in Manila, Villa Maria Integrated School in Pampanga, and Bulacan Montessori School Inc. in Bulacan.
The P3.2-million project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.
The team has also partnered with the Department of Education-Manila and St. Philomena School in Marilao, a school specializing in special education with programs such as Early Childhood Care and Development.
Other researchers include Engineering Dean Angelo de la Cruz, Asst. Prof. Gabriel Geslani, and Asst. Prof. Paulin Espino of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences.
Students and alumni Joseph Amores, Antonio Frias, Sophia de Leon, and Warren Cheng also contributed to the study.
The project was initiated with support from the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, the Office of the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, and TOMASInno Center, UST’s technology business incubator. with reports from Jenna Mariel A. Gonzales
