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The Intersection of Variability in Gross Motor Performance and Adaptive Behavior in Young Autistic Children:
Maria J Ayoub1, Laura Keegan1, Michele Z Luo1
1Department Of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Summary
Gross motor variability in autistic children is common. Less variable walking speed correlated with better adaptive behavior, but less variable walking behaviors correlated with lower adaptive behavior scores in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Motor control and development
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research indicates links between motor skills and other developmental areas.
- Limited investigation exists on gross motor performance variability and its association with adaptive behavior in autistic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify variability in gross motor performance using task-based measures in autistic children.
- To investigate the relationship between gross motor variability and adaptive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Collected video data of 71 autistic children (aged 4-7 years) performing walking and single-leg balancing tasks.
- Quantified intra-subject variability in walking skill, walking behaviors, and balance.
- Assessed adaptive behavior using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale Adaptive Behavior Composite (VABS-ABC).
Main Results:
- High intra-subject variability was observed in walking skill, walking behaviors, and balance performance.
- Reduced variability in walking velocity correlated with higher VABS-ABC scores.
- Increased variability in walking behaviors correlated with lower VABS-ABC scores.
Conclusions:
- Gross motor performance variability appears to be a characteristic of ASD.
- Analyzing gross motor variability alongside other developmental domains, such as adaptive behavior, offers a more holistic understanding of autism.
