Early motor delays as diagnostic clues in autism spectrum disorder

Early identification of autism facilitates referral for early intervention services, shown to be effective in enhancing parent-child interaction as well as adaptive behavior, communication, and socialization. Traditional hallmarks for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as stereotypic or repetitive behavioral patterns. Research during the past decade suggests that developmental motor delays during early childhood may also be important predictors of this difficult-to-make diagnosis. The purpose of this short communication is to describe specific research findings about developmental motor delays and other neuromotor concerns that may contribute to the early diagnosis of ASD and thus hasten referral for early therapeutic intervention.

In that there is reasonable consensus that motor delays during the first year of life may represent a prodrome of ASD, pediatricians should not rule out the possibility of ASD in infants with concerning motor behaviors. What is Known: • Early identification of autism facilitates referral for early intervention services. • Traditional hallmarks for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as repetitive patterns of behavior. What is New: • Recent research suggests that developmental motor delays during early childhood may also be important predictors of ASD. • Pediatricians should consider the possibility of ASD in infants with motor delays or other concerning motor behaviors.