Motor proficiency of children with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities: a review

Gkotzia E.1, Venetsanou F.2, Kambas A.1

1School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
2School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National & Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present a review of studies that have examined the motor proficiency (MP) of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) by using standardized motor assessment tools (Movement Assessment Battery for Children; Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency; Test of Gross Motor Development). The search conducted in three electronic databases, following specific criteria, revealed 17 studies considering children with ASD and 9 with ID. Their review revealed that, regardless of the motor assessment tool used, children with ASD and ID demonstrate difficulties in their fine and gross motor skills. Moreover, children within the same disorder spectrum exhibit various MP levels. This information, although limited, is valuable and should be deployed if the negative consequences of poor MP are to be countered and the daily living of those populations is to be improved.

Keywords:

motor proficiency deficits; standardized movement assessment tools; autism

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