Autistic children with better motor skills more adept at socializing

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National Assembly For Wales / Cynulliad Cymru

A recent study reveals that children with better motor skills are also better at socializing and communicating.  The study, published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, tested over 200 toddlers with autism.

“Even at this early age, we are already seeing motor skills mapping on to their social and communicative skills,” said lead author Megan MacDonald.

“Motor skills are embedded in everything we do, and for too long they have been studied separately from social and communication skills in children with autism.” McDonald, a professor at Oregon State University, is an expert on the movement skills of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Many therapists focus on the social and communication aspects of autism when they are working with children with autism.  Because the social and communication areas are emphasised, the motor skill deficits get "pushed aside" according to McDonald.  

McDonald also found that children with better motor skills were also better at “daily living skills,” such as talking, playing, walking, and requesting things from their parents.

“We can teach motor skills and intervene at young ages,” MacDonald said. “Motor skills and autism have been separated for too long. This gives us another avenue to consider for early interventions.”

Source:  Oregon State University

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action