Laterality, verticality and spatial organization of school-age children measured through E-Baking Tray Task quantitative indexes: A comparative developmental approach

Background: Laterality, verticality, and spatial organization are fundamental aspects of visuo-spatial tasks. The Enhanced Baking Tray Task (E-BTT) applies advanced technology to assess visuo-spatial organization using quantitative indexes related to laterality, verticality, and spatial quality. This study reanalyzes existing data, focusing on school-age children and comparing their spatial organization profiles to those of an adult sample. Method: A total of 137 typically developing children (aged 6–11 years) and 122 healthy adults (aged 18–37 years) completed the E-BTT. Inclusion criteria ensured normal or corrected vision and typical cognitive profiles, verified via Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) for children and Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) for adults. Multiple spatial and organizational indexes were computed. Non-parametric and generalized linear model (GLM) analyses were conducted to explore differences across school grades and between children and adults, with RCPM included as a covariate of fluid intelligence. Results: Children showed less organized spatial performance than adults, with greater dispersion, irregular paths, and faster execution. Spatial organization improved with age, especially between early and middle primary grades. Discussion: The E-BTT proves to be a sensitive and ecologically valid tool for assessing these abilities, with promising implications for developmental research and early identification of spatial planning difficulties.