Struggles With Motor Skills Compound Social Problems in Autism

Problems with motor skills such as throwing and catching can add to the social struggles faced by children with autism, a new study says.

It included 35 children, aged 6 to 15, with autism who were considered high-functioning and attended typical school classes. The children underwent tests for two types of motor skills: object-control motor skills that involve precise action such as catching or throwing; and locomotion skills such as running and walking.

The children who struggled with object-control motor abilities were more likely to have more severe problems with social and communications skills that those with better object-control motor skills, according to the study.

"So much of the focus on autism has been on developing social skills, and that is very crucial," lead author said.

"Yet we also know there is a link between motor skills and autism, and how deficits in these physical skills play into this larger picture is not clearly understood," said  an expert on the movement skills of children with autism.

She said the findings add to the growing body of research highlighting the link between autism and motor skill problems.

"Something which seems as simple as learning to ride a bike can be crucial for a child with autism," . "Being able to ride a bike means more independence and autonomy. They can ride to the corner store or ride to a friend's house. Those kind of small victories are huge."

Physical activity is linked not only to health, but to social skills and mental well-being, she noted.

The good news is that motor skills can be taught.

"We have programs and interventions that we know work, and have measurable impact on motor skill development," she said. "We need to make sure we identify the issue and get a child help as early as possible."

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