Vestibular Function and Postural Control in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Motor Control

Background:

• Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit deficits in postural control.
• The role of the vestibular system in these deficits has been underexplored.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interplay between functional balance, postural sway, and vestibular function in children with ASD.
• To compare these measures between children with ASD and neurotypical controls.
• To identify potential underlying mechanisms for postural control differences.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and Paediatric Balance Scale for functional balance assessment.
• Employed static posturography with altered sensory inputs to measure postural sway.
• Assessed peripheral vestibular function using cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and video head impulse testing.

Main Results:

• Children with ASD exhibited increased path velocities and distinct postural sway patterns when visual cues were removed, indicating reduced postural control.
• Functional balance correlated with path velocities under modified sensory conditions.
• No significant differences in peripheral vestibular function were found between groups; functional balance did not correlate with vestibular function.

Conclusions:

• Postural control impairments in children with ASD persist even with normal peripheral vestibular function, particularly in altered sensory environments.
• Observed postural sway patterns suggest less developed sensory system integration in children with ASD.
• Comprehensive balance assessments incorporating postural control measures are vital for informing interventions for ASD.