Relationship between motor skills and receptive language in children with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND

Motor impairments are increasingly recognized as a core component of the functional profile in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with potential associations for communication development.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the relationship between gross and fine motor skills and receptive communication in children with ASD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 21 children aged 3 to 6 years diagnosed with ASD. Motor abilities were assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2), and receptive communication was evaluated through the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI).

RESULTS

Strong, positive, and statistically significant correlations (p < 0.001) were observed between receptive communication and all motor variables, with the strongest association found with gross motor skills (r = 0.85). Although correlations were generally stronger in females, no statistically significant sex differences were detected. Additionally, intercorrelations among the PDMS-2 subtests were consistently high (r ≥ 0,63).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings reveal significant associations between motor skills and receptive communication in children with ASD.