Abstract
A growing number of literature data suggest the presence of early impairments in the motor development of children with autism spectrum disorder, which could be often recognized even before the appearance of the classical social communication deficits of autism. In this narrative review, we aimed at performing an update about the available data on the early motor function in children with autism spectrum disorder. Early motor impairment in these children can manifest itself both as a mere delay of motor development and as the presence of atypicalities of motor function, such as a higher rate and a larger inventory, of stereotyped movements both with and without objects. In the perspective of a timely diagnosis, the presence of early motor signs can be an important clue, especially in an individual considered at high risk for autism. Motor and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) skills are connected and a pathogenetic role of early motor dysfunctions in the development of autism can be hypothesized. From this, derives the importance of an early enabling intervention aimed at improving motor skills, which could also have favorable effects on other aspects of development.
Highlights
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a clinical condition characterized by social communication and interaction deficits, as well as by restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) [1]
Motor impairments are very important in ASD because they are possible early clinical markers and because of their possible pathogenetic contribution to the development of social communication deficits in children with ASD, due to the basic role played by the motor system for exploring and knowing the surrounding environment [9]
In general, an infant is considered at high risk (HR) for ASD if he/she has a sibling with ASD and/or was born preterm presenting low birth weight [8], in the literature, subjects at HR for ASD almost always mean individuals who have a family history of ASD in an older sibling
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a clinical condition characterized by social communication and interaction deficits, as well as by restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) [1]. An approximate idea of the prevalence of motor impairment in ASD is given by Ming et al, who in 154 children found: hypotonia in 51% of cases, apraxia in 34%, walking on tiptoes in 19%, and gross motor delay in 9% [7] These percentages, are probably underestimated, due to the relatively high median age (6 years) of the series studied, while over time the early motor signs tend to reduce [8] and they often go unnoticed compared to what are considered the core signs of autism. This finding could be very important in the perspective of an early diagnosis and a prompt enabling intervention
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