Fundamental Motor Skills and Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Narrative Review.

Background/

Objectives

Children and adolescents on the autism spectrum often experience delays in both gross and fine motor skills, which can limit their participation in physical activity and everyday tasks.

Methods

This narrative review synthesizes evidence from 88 peer-reviewed studies examining fundamental motor skills, broader motor competence, and perceived motor competence in individuals aged 3-18 years with a formal diagnosis of autism.

Results

Across the literature, children with autism consistently demonstrate lower proficiency in locomotor and object control skills compared with their typically developing peers, while perceived competence emerges as an important factor influencing motivation and engagement. Intervention studies-most commonly school-based or structured physical activity programs-generally report short-term improvements in motor performance, although outcomes vary depending on study design, dosage, and assessment tools. The review also highlights substantial methodological heterogeneity and a notable lack of evidence concerning adolescents, underscoring the need for longitudinal and developmentally sensitive research.

Conclusions

Practical implications are discussed for creating supportive movement environments in educational and adapted physical activity settings. This review follows a narrative synthesis approach informed by a structured search strategy.