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A comparison of motor delays in young children: autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and developmental

Beth Provost1, Brian R Lopez, Sandra Heimerl

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA. eprovost@salud.unm.edu

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|July 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience motor delays. Their motor skill impairments are comparable to those with developmental delay (DD), but significantly greater than peers without developmental concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting social interaction and communication.
  • Motor delays are increasingly recognized as a common characteristic in young children with ASD.
  • Early identification of motor delays is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess motor delay in young children aged 21-41 months diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • To compare motor development scores in children with ASD against those without ASD.
  • To differentiate motor skill deficits between ASD, developmental delay (DD), and developmental concerns without motor delay groups.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 56 children aged 21-41 months was divided into three groups: ASD, DD, and developmental concerns without motor delay.
  • Motor skills were assessed using standardized measures.
  • Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed on motor scores across groups.

Main Results:

  • All children in the ASD group exhibited delays in gross motor skills, fine motor skills, or both.
  • Children with ASD and those with DD demonstrated significant motor development impairments compared to the control group.
  • No significant differences in motor skill measures were found between young children with ASD and young children with DD.

Conclusions:

  • Young children with ASD commonly present with motor delays affecting fine and/or gross motor skills.
  • Motor impairments in ASD are comparable to those seen in developmental delay (DD).
  • These findings underscore the importance of screening for motor delays in early ASD diagnosis and intervention planning.

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