Socioeconomic status and motor coordination function among children with autism

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often co-occurs with motor coordination impairments, termed probable Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
• Socioeconomic status (SES) is a critical determinant of health outcomes, but its association with motor function in autistic children in China is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and the prevalence of probable DCD in autistic children in China.
• To identify specific SES factors associated with motor coordination deficits in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing data from South China (2020-2021).
• SES indicators included per capita family income and maternal education.
• Motor coordination was assessed using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) in 165 autistic children (aged 2-12 years).

Main Results:

• Autistic children from families with monthly incomes below 5000 yuan (OR: 4.77) or 5000-8000 yuan (OR: 3.62) had significantly higher odds of probable DCD compared to those with incomes above 8000 yuan.
• Mothers without a college degree showed a decreased likelihood of their children having probable DCD (OR: 0.33).

Conclusions:

• Lower family income is a significant risk factor for probable DCD in autistic children in China.
• Maternal education may have a protective effect, potentially influenced by factors like increased grandparental involvement.
• This study highlights the need for targeted support and motor interventions for autistic children from low-income families in Asian regions.