title: Motor functioning in autistic spectrum disorders: a preliminary analysis.
abstract: The study sought to identify differences in motor functioning between autism and Asperger syndrome while also assessing the diagnostic contribution of such assessment. A sample of 16 individuals with autism and 10 with Asperger syndrome completed the Dean-Woodcock Sensory-Motor Battery, and outcomes were compared. Significant differences were found in measures of cerebellar functioning, favoring Asperger subjects. Deficits in coordination, ambulation, and the Romberg test were associated with both disorders. On the basis of motor outcomes alone, 100% were accurately differentiated. Findings support the idea that motor dysfunction is a core feature of these presentations and demonstrated the utility of motor assessment in diagnostic practice.
authors.affiliation: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine,Springfield, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Aniruddh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Behere
authors.forename: Lokesh
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shahani
authors.forename: Chad A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Noggle
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dean
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult