Motor signatures in autism spectrum disorder: the importance of variability.
In a recent study, Wang et al. (J Neurophysiol 113: 1989-2001, 2015) used a precision grip force control task to unveil the contribution of feedforward and feedback mechanisms to sensorimotor dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Impairment of both motor control mechanisms was observed, along with significant variability in the motor response. In this Neuro Forum article we discuss these findings within the conceptual framework of the grasping circuit and within the broader context of clinical and research applications based on motor behavior.
Center for Autism Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and vparma@monell.org.
Valentina
V
Parma
Center for Autism Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ashley B
AB
de Marchena
D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder; D005246:Feedback; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans
autism spectrum disorder; basal ganglia; cerebellum; motor signature; motor variability