Comparing Motor Skills in Autism Spectrum Individuals With and Without Speech Delay

摘要: Movement atypicalities in speed, coordination, posture, and gait have been observed across the autism spectrum (AS) coordination are more commonly AS individuals without delayed speech (DSM-IV Asperger) than those with atypical or onset. However, few studies provided quantitative data to support these mostly clinical observations. Here, we compared perceptual motor performance between 30 typically developing (21 delay 18 delay) examine associations limb movement control development. Groups were matched for age, intelligence, sex. The experimental design included: an inspection time task, which measures visual processing speed; Purdue Pegboard, finger dexterity, bimanual performance, hand-eye coordination; Annett Peg Moving Task, unimanual goal-directed arm movement; a simple reaction task. We used analysis of covariance investigate group differences task linear regression models explore potential language skills, time, visually guided performance. participants performed slower typical Pegboard subtests. showed poorer delay. Visual speed was slightly faster both groups group. Altogether, results suggest that differ triggered behavior show early skills associated complex tasks.