ERIC Number: EJ763386
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-May
Pages: 12
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
Quantitative Assessment of Neuromotor Function in Adolescents with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Freitag, Christine M.; Kleser, Christina; Schneider, Marc; von Gontard, Alexander
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v37 n5 p948-959 May 2007
Background: Motor impairment in children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) or High functioning autism (HFA) has been reported previously. This study presents results of a quantitative assessment of neuromotor skills in 14-22 year old HFA/AS. Methods: 16 HFA/AS and 16 IQ-matched controls were assessed by the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA). Results: The HFA/AS group showed strongest impairments of dynamic balance skills and diadochokinesis. Motor abilities were associated with degree of social withdrawal in the full sample and severity of current autistic symptoms in the HFA/AS group. Conclusion: Similar motor patterns as in younger children were found in the older adolescents. The association of autistic symptoms with motor performance points towards an essential role of motor impairment in autism spectrum disorders.
Descriptors: Adolescents, Asperger Syndrome, Autism, Evaluation Methods, Statistical Analysis, Control Groups, Psychomotor Skills, Withdrawal (Psychology), Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Severity (of Disability)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A