Melissa K Licari1, Gail A Alvares1, Kandice Varcin1, Kiah L Evans1,2, Dominique Cleary1, Siobhan L Reid3, Emma J Glasson1, Keely Bebbington1, Jess E Reynolds4, John Wray5, Andrew J O Whitehouse1. 1. Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. 2. School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. 3. School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. 4. Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. 5. Child Development Service, Western Australian Department of Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract
Motor impairment is not currently included in the diagnostic criteria or evaluation of autism. This reflects the lack of large-scale studies demonstrating its prominence to advocate for change. We examined the prevalence of motor difficulties at the time of diagnosis in a large sample of children with autism utilizing standardized assessment, and the relationship between motor difficulties, core autism symptomology, and other prominent clinical features. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were administered to children from the Western Australian Register for Autism Spectrum Disorders aged ≤6 years (N = 2,084; 81.2% males, 18.8% females). Prevalence of motor difficulties was quantified based on scores from the motor domain of the Vineland and then compared to other domains of functioning within the Vineland (communication, daily living, and socialization), the DSM criteria, intellectual level, age, and gender. Scores on the Vineland indicated that 35.4% of the sample met criteria for motor difficulties (standard score <70), a rate almost as common as intellectual impairment (37.7%). Motor difficulties were reported by diagnosing clinicians in only 1.34% of cases. Motor difficulties were common in those cases meeting diagnostic criteria for impairments in nonverbal behavior and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. The prevalence of motor difficulties also increased with increasing age of diagnosis (P < 0.001). Findings from the present study highlight the need for further consideration of motor difficulties as a distinct specifier within the diagnostic criteria for ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 298-306.
Motor impairment is not currently included in the diagnostic criteria or evaluation of autism. This reflects the lack of large-scale studies demonstrating its prominence to advocate for change. We examined the prevalence of motor difficulties at the time of diagnosis in a large sample of children with autism utilizing standardized assessment, and the relationship between motor difficulties, core autism symptomology, and other prominent clinical features. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were administered to children from the Western Australian Register for Autism Spectrum Disorders aged ≤6 years (N = 2,084; 81.2% males, 18.8% females). Prevalence of motor difficulties was quantified based on scores from the motor domain of the Vineland and then compared to other domains of functioning within the Vineland (communication, daily living, and socialization), the DSM criteria, intellectual level, age, and gender. Scores on the Vineland indicated that 35.4% of the sample met criteria for motor difficulties (standard score <70), a rate almost as common as intellectual impairment (37.7%). Motor difficulties were reported by diagnosing clinicians in only 1.34% of cases. Motor difficulties were common in those cases meeting diagnostic criteria for impairments in nonverbal behavior and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. The prevalence of motor difficulties also increased with increasing age of diagnosis (P < 0.001). Findings from the present study highlight the need for further consideration of motor difficulties as a distinct specifier within the diagnostic criteria for ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 298-306.
Authors: Haylie L Miller; Gabriela M Sherrod; Joyce E Mauk; Nicholas E Fears; Linda S Hynan; Priscila M Tamplain Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2021-01-02
Authors: Sergio Serrada-Tejeda; Sergio Santos-Del-Riego; Teresa A May-Benson; Marta Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-05-26 Impact factor: 3.390