Analysis of the motor performance of children with ASD and its relationship with personal and contextual variables

Abstract

A high number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present motor deficits. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the motor performance of children with ASD and (2) to analyze the influence that sociodemographic variables and difficulties related to learning have in the development of motor deficits. Method: Participants were 23 boys and 5 girls with ASD between 4-14 years old. Impairments in motor development were evaluated using the Movement assessment battery for children-2 (MABC-2). Parents provided information on the personal and contextual variables of the participants through a sociodemographic questionnaire and they reported the motor skills of their children through the Checklist of the MABC-2. Results: The results suggest that most children with ASD present difficulties in balance and in fine and gross motor skills. Likewise, the analysis of the χ2 tests suggested that curricular adaptations, the presence of siblings and traits such as impulsivity, hyperactivity and speech difficulties are factors related to their motor development. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to address these difficulties from an early age to stimulate and encourage their development.