Motor function in children with Autism spectrum disorders

This Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are among the most common pediatric diagnoses. Using child friendly interactive virtual environments we evaluated motor function as children performed dynamic tasks, such as pointing, reaching, standing balance and walking. Seven pairs of boys with ASD and age-matched controls between 2 and 12 years old participated. Although motor difficulties are not considered a core feature of autism, growing evidence suggest the trajectories for development of balance, walking and reaching have a different slope (slower rate) compared to controls. During childhood, evaluation of specific motor impairments can serve as markers for screening/diagnosis of ASD. © 2013 IEEE