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Motor Skill Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Clinically Focused Review

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (E Brodkin, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review synthesizes recent, clinically relevant findings on the scope, significance, and centrality of motor skill differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Recent Findings

Motor challenges in ASD are pervasive, clinically meaningful, and highly underrecognized, with up to 87% of the autistic population affected but only a small percentage receiving motor-focused clinical care. Across development, motor differences are associated with both core autism symptoms and broader functioning, though the precise nature of those associations and the specificity of motor profiles to ASD remain unestablished. Findings suggest that motor difficulties in ASD are quantifiable and treatable, and that detection and intervention efforts targeting motor function may also positively influence social communication.

Summary

Recent evidence supports a need for explicit recognition of motor impairment within the diagnostic framework of ASD as a clinical specifier. Motor differences in ASD warrant greater clinical attention and routine incorporation into screening, evaluation, and treatment planning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Casey J. Zampella, Leah A. L. Wang, Margaret Haley & Anne G. Hutchinson

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Leah A. L. Wang

  3. Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Ashley de Marchena

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Margaret Haley, Anne G. Hutchinson, and Ashley de Marchena each declare no potential conflicts of interest. Casey J. Zampella reports grants from National Institutes of Health and from Eagles Autism Foundation. Leah A. L. Wang reports grants from National Institutes of Health.

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Zampella, C.J., Wang, L.A.L., Haley, M. et al. Motor Skill Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Clinically Focused Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 23, 64 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01280-6

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