Coordination, Balance and Fine Motor Skills Deficities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Co-Occuring...

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether motor disorders are significantly more prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) without co-occurring genetic or neurological conditions compared to neurotypical children. Another aim was to explore the applicability of the MABC-2 test for assessing motor skills in a Polish cohort of children with ASD. Additionally, this study sought to develop a basic framework for motor skill assessment in children with autism. Methods: This study included 166 Caucasian children, both sexes, aged 5-12 years, without intellectual disability (IQ ≥ 70), without concomitant genetic or neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy or cerebral palsy. The study group consisted of children with ASD (n = 71), and the control group consisted of neurotypical children (n = 95). The participants were assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-second edition (MABC-2), MABC-2 checklist and the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ), used as a reference point. Results: The children with ASD obtained significantly lower MABC-2 test results in all subtests in comparison with the control group. The children with suspected or diagnosed coordination disorders were characterized by a significantly greater number of co-occurring non-motor factors than the other participants of this study. MABC-2 test showed greater consistency with DCDQ than with the MABC-2 questionnaire. Conclusions: Children with ASD present a lower level of manual dexterity and balance and greater difficulties in performing tasks, including throwing and catching, in comparison with neurotypical children. The MABC-2 test with the MABC-2 checklist and DCDQ questionnaire constitute a complementary diagnostic tool.