Better Motor Skills = Better Adaptive Behavior Skills in Children with Autism

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders published research on 233 children ages 14 to 49 months diagnosed with autism. The researchers examined the relationship of motor skills on the adaptive behavior composite, daily living, adaptive social and adaptive communicative skills while holding constant the age, non-verbal problem solving, and the severity of autism. The following results were recorded:

• Fine motor skills significantly predicted all adaptive behavior skills 
• Gross motor skills were predictive of daily living skills 
• Children with weaker motor skills displayed greater deficits in adaptive behavior skills

The researchers concluded that there is a need to implement early intervention and rehabilitation for young children with autism and motor skills.

Reference:  MacDonald, M et al. The relationship of motor skills and adaptive behavior skills in young children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Volume 7, Issue 11, November 2013, Pages 1383–1390