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Examining Transdiagnostic Patterns of Motor Differences: Preliminary Findings From the Consortium for Motor Behavior
Nicholas E Fears1, Priscila M Tamplain2, Haylie L Miller3
1School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, 50 Fieldhouse Dr, Baton Rouge, LA, 48109, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Motor challenges are common in neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, ADHD, and DCD. This study found each diagnosis has unique effects on specific motor skills, suggesting distinct motor signatures across neurodivergence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental conditions often present with overlapping symptoms, complicating the identification of specific motor challenges.
- Motor deficits can be overlooked in conditions primarily assessed for social-cognitive features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent effects of autism, ADHD, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) on motor skills.
- To determine if distinct neurodevelopmental conditions have unique motor "signatures".
Main Methods:
- Utilized the COMBINE dataset of 262 individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Employed generalized linear models to analyze the impact of diagnoses (autism, ADHD, DCD, CAS), age, and sex on Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) scores.
- Assessed total MABC-2 scores and domain-specific scores (Manual Dexterity, Aiming & Catching, Balance).
Main Results:
- 77% of participants scored in the "Red Zone" of the MABC-2, indicating likely DCD.
- DCD diagnosis was associated with lower overall and Manual Dexterity scores.
- ADHD diagnosis predicted higher overall scores and improved Balance scores.
- Autism diagnosis was linked to lower Aiming & Catching scores.
Conclusions:
- Motor challenges are clinically significant across multiple neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Specific neurodevelopmental diagnoses appear to have independent, domain-specific effects on motor skills.
- Further research is needed to confirm unique motor signatures for each condition.
