Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Hypermobility among children with autism spectrum disorders and its correlation with anthropometric characteristics
Jaya Shanker Tedla1, Faisal Asiri1, Mastour Saeed Alshahrani1
1Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Nearly 60% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit hypermobility. This joint hypermobility shows a moderate negative correlation with age, height, weight, and BMI in children with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition.
- Hypermobility, characterized by excessive joint range of motion, is frequently observed in various neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hypermobility in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- To explore the relationship between hypermobility and demographic/anthropometric factors including age, gender, height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 117 children (aged 2-17 years) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton score, with parental informed consent obtained.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of children with ASD (59.83%, n=70) presented with abnormal hypermobility.
- The average Beighton score was 5.33 ± 2.42.
- A moderate negative correlation was observed between hypermobility and the child's age, height, and weight.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 60% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder exhibit hypermobility.
- Age, height, weight, and BMI are moderately negatively correlated with the degree of hypermobility in children with ASD.
Objective:
To determine the extent of hypermobility in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and to determine the correlation between age, gender, height, weight, BMI and hypermobility.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 117 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder aged 2 to 17 years, of whom 91 were boys and 26 were girls. After obtaining the written informed consent from the parents of these children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, we assessed their level of hypermobility using the Beighton score.
Results:
Out of 117 children, 47 (40.17%) were normal and 70 (59.83%) showed an abnormal increase in mobility. The average Beighton score was 5.33 ± 2.42. There is a moderate negative correlation between height, weight, and age with hypermobility.
Conclusions:
The extent of hypermobility among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder was 60%, that is, 70 out of 117 children had hypermobility. Our results also suggested that the age, height, weight, and BMI of the child had a moderate negative correlation with hypermobility.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:12Coefficient of Correlation
If you suspect a linear relationship between x and y, then r can measure how strong the linear relationship is.
What the VALUE of r tells us:
The value of r is always between –1 and +1: –1 ≤ r ≤ 1.
The size of the correlation r indicates the...