A 'smart pen' developed by UST researchers is tested by a student. Photo courtesy of Dr. Edison Roxas/iSULAT

MANILA — A team of researchers from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) has developed a digital health technology that could reshape the way children are screened for neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

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The device called iSULAT (Intelligence Stroke Utilization Learning Assessment and Testing) was unveiled Tuesday by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.

The smart pen is equipped with sensors that gather key data while a child is writing, including stroke patterns, writing pressure, pen grip tightness, handwriting angles, and speed–critical indicators that can reveal signs of potential handwriting impairments and mental health conditions.

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“Habang nagsusulat po iyong mga bata, marami po kaming nakukuhang mga impormasyon sa kada-stroke ng pagsusulat nila. Katulad ng diin ng pagsusulat, diin ng paghawak sa pen, pati iyong anggulo kung paano nila hinahawakan iyong pen. Ina-analyze po namin lahat ng mga features po na iyon," said Dr. Edison Roxas, project leader of iSULAT.

"Meron po kami ngayong nabuo na AI na kung saan binibigyan po tayo ng idea kung meron po bang problema iyong bata base lang sa pagsusulat niya,” he added.

'GAP' 

The project responds to the existing gap in handwriting assessments, which are often used by occupational therapists to detect and intervene early in developmental and cognitive issues.

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Roxas noted that handwriting therapy is a widely recognized tool in identifying learning disabilities and mental health disorders, especially during a child’s formative years.

However, access to such evaluation remains limited in the Philippines due to the low number of practicing occupational therapists.

According to therapists who have partnered with the iSULAT team, the smart pen has already proven useful in speeding up their assessments.

'GRATEFUL'

Roxas also highlighted the positive reception from both parents and teachers from the school where the smart pen was tried out by students.

Teachers were particularly grateful, he shared, as the results allowed them to adjust their teaching methods based on the needs of students who may require classroom interventions.

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“Natutuwa po iyong mga magulang doon sa na-experience ng mga bata. Pati po iyong mga guro, natutuwa rin sila kasi nakikita po nila na kung anong pwedeng intervention ang gawin nila doon sa classroom settings po,” Roxas explained.

Currently, there are twelve iSULAT smart pens in circulation and they have already been piloted in three schools across Luzon.

The team hopes to expand the reach of the device, particularly in remote provinces, to support therapists and teachers in underserved communities.

Beyond its current use in pediatric assessments, researchers see iSULAT as a potential benchmark tool in future studies involving neurological disorders such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

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