Reaching and grasping in autism spectrum disorder: a review of recent literature.
Impairments in motor functioning, which, until recently, have rarely been a primary focus in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research, may play a key role in the early expression of biological vulnerability and be associated with key social-communication deficits. This review summarizes current knowledge of motor behavior in ASD, focusing specifically on reaching and grasping. Convergent data across the lifespan indicate that impairments to reaching and grasping emerge early in life, affect the planning and execution of motor programs, and may be impacted by additional impairments to sensory control of motor behavior. The relationship between motor impairments and diagnostic outcomes will be discussed.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada.
Lori-Ann R
LA
Sacrey
Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada.
Tamara
T
Germani
Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, Dalhousie University , Halifax, NS , Canada ; IWK Health Centre , Halifax, NS , Canada.
Susan E
SE
Bryson
Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada ; Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital , Edmonton, AB , Canada.
Lonnie
L
Zwaigenbaum
autism spectrum disorder; motor execution; motor planning; movement; reach-to-grasp; reaching; review