Relationships Between Gross Motor Skills and Social Function in Young Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between gross motor skills and social function in young boys with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods: Twenty-one children with autism spectrum disorder participated in the study. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales Second Edition and the Miller Function and Participation Scales were used to assess gross motor skills. The Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales was used to assess social function.

Results: Moderately high correlations were found between overall gross motor and social skills (r = 0.644) and between the core stability motor subtest and overall social skills (r = -0.672). Specific motor impairments in stability, motor accuracy, and object manipulation scores were predictive of social function.

Conclusions: This study suggests that motor skills and social function are related in young boys with autism. Implications for physical therapy intervention are also discussed.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

a. Mean Overall PDMS-2 Gross Motor Quotient by Severity Group. Children in the mild to moderate ASD category demonstrated higher gross motor skills than children with in the severe ASD category (p−.002). b. Mean overall MFUN Gross Motor Scale Score by Severity Group. Children in the mild to moderate ASD category demonstrated higher gross motor skills than children in the severe ASD category (p=.003).