Sensori-motor and daily living skills of preschool children with autism spectrum disorders

J Autism Dev Disord. 2009 Feb;39(2):231-41. doi: 10.1007/s10803-008-0617-z. Epub 2008 Jul 16.

Abstract

Sensori-motor development and performance of daily living skills (DLS) remain little explored in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The objective of this study was to determine the impact of sensori-motor skills on the performance of DLS in preschool children with ASD. Thirty-five children, 3-4 years of age, were recruited and assessed with a battery of diagnostic and clinical tests. Children showed atypical sensory responses, very poor motor and DLS. Sensory avoiding, an excessive reaction to sensory stimuli, and fine motor skills were highly correlated with DLS, even when cognitive performance was taken into account. Sensori-motor deficits have an impact on the autonomy of children with ASD and interventions should aim at improving and supporting the development of sensori-motor skills.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology*
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Male
  • Motor Skills*
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Perception*
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Sensation*
  • Statistics as Topic