ADHD, Asperger Syndrome and Motor Skills

Recent research evaluated the motor skills of 36, eight to twelve year old boys (12 with ADHD, 12 with Asperger Syndrome and 12 typically developing peers). The Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs was used to evaluate the boys and the following was examined: 1) total speed of timed activities, 2) total overflow, and 3) total dysrhythmia. The results indicated:

• the boys with Asperger Syndrome performed more slowly that the boys with ADHD or the control group
• "total dysrhythmia differentiates Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Asperger syndrome children from controls".

The researchers concluded that dysfunction of the fronto-striatal-cerebellar networks may be the physiopathological basis for the differences.

Reference: Augusto Pasini MD, PhD et al. (2011) Motor examination in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome. Acta Paediatrica Accepted for publication August 8, 2011. DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02436.x