Exploring the effect of motor coordination on repetitive behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Pediatric Psychology
• Motor Control

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
• Motor coordination difficulties are frequently observed in children with ASD, but their specific impact on repetitive behaviors requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between motor coordination and repetitive behaviors in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• To determine if children with ASD exhibiting signs of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) show different patterns of repetitive behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A causal-comparative design was utilized, surveying parents of 241 children with ASD.
• Standardized instruments including the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2, Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised, and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire were administered.
• Data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) in R.

Main Results:

• A significant risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) was identified in 72% of the children with ASD.
• Children with ASD and DCD risk displayed significantly more severe and intense repetitive behaviors compared to those without DCD risk.
• These differences remained significant after controlling for age, gender, and comorbidity.

Conclusions:

• Motor coordination problems are demonstrably linked to the manifestation and severity of repetitive behaviors in children with ASD.
• Identifying and addressing motor coordination deficits may be a crucial component in managing repetitive behaviors in this population.