Development of Infant Sitting Postural Control in Three Groups of Infants at Various Risk Levels for Autism Spectrum
Anastasia Kyvelidou1, Shari DeVeney2, Dimitrios Katsavelis3
1Physical Therapy Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
Insights
Infants at elevated risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show initial sitting posture differences. Postural control changes correlated with later communication skills, highlighting unique developmental paths in ASD research.
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research
- Infant motor development
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting social communication.
- Understanding early developmental trajectories, including motor control, is crucial for identifying risk factors.
- Sitting postural control is a foundational motor skill that develops in infancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sitting postural control development in infants at elevated risk for ASD compared to typically developing infants.
- To examine the association between early sitting posture and later cognitive, language, and communication skills.
- To identify unique developmental pathways associated with ASD risk.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking infants from sitting onset to independence, and at 12 and 18 months.
- Utilized a portable force platform to measure sitting posture (center of pressure).
- Administered assessments for communication, cognitive, and social behavior.
Main Results:
- Infants at elevated ASD risk exhibited distinct postural control at the onset of sitting.
- No significant differences were found in the developmental trajectory of sitting posture between groups.
- Significant communication differences emerged between groups, with postural control changes correlating with later skills.
Conclusions:
- Early postural control may serve as an indicator, though not a sole predictor, of later developmental differences in at-risk infants.
- The study underscores the need to examine diverse at-risk populations to understand varied developmental pathways in ASD.
- Investigating the interplay between motor skills and communication is vital for early identification and intervention strategies in ASD.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the development of sitting postural control among two groups of infants at elevated risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and a group of infants at typical risk for ASD and its association with cognitive, language and communication skills at a later age. We visited infants in their home environment from the onset of sitting until sitting independence and at 12 and 18 months of age. We collected data on sitting posture (center of pressure), through a portable force platform, as well as communication, cognitive and social behavior assessments at various time points. Our results showed that postural control differences at the onset of sitting, were present among the groups of infants but there were no statistically significant differences among the groups in the development of sitting posture. In addition, there were statistically significant communication differences among the groups and mostly the change in sample entropy in the anterior/posterior direction (posture measure) was significantly correlated with other skills at a later age. This study highlights the importance of investigating multiple at-risk groups to identify unique developmental pathways that may lead to an ASD diagnosis.
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