Development of early language and motor skills in preschool children with autism

The present study investigated whether the onset of babbling was related (a) to later language ages, (b) later Fine and Gross Motor Ages, and (c) the onset of crawling to later language ages of preschool children with autism. Parents or caregivers of 32 children (6 girls, 26 boys) were given the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales to assess general adaptive behaviors. The onset of babbling and of first words were significantly correlated; however, babbling onset was not related to later language ages nor was it related to Gross and Fine Motor Ages. No significant correlation was observed between the onset of crawling and later language ages.