title: Motor difficulties in autism spectrum disorder: linking symptom severity and postural stability.
abstract: Postural stability is a fundamental aspect of motor ability that allows individuals to sustain and maintain the desired physical position of one's body. The present study examined postural stability in average-IQ adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Twenty-six individuals with ASD and 26 age-and-IQ-matched individuals with typical development stood on one leg or two legs with eyes opened or closed on a Wii balance board. Results indicated significant group differences in postural stability during one-legged standing, but there were no significant group differences during two-legged standing. This suggests that static balance during more complex standing postures is impaired in average-IQ individuals with ASD. Further, current ASD symptoms were related to postural stability during two-legged standing in individuals with ASD. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA. btravers@wisc.edu
authors.forename: Brittany G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Travers
authors.forename: Patrick S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: Laura G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Klinger
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Klinger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D004856:Postural Balance; D012016:Reference Values; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D055815:Young Adult