ERIC Number: EJ1138927
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-May
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of an Early Motor Skill Intervention on Motor Skills, Levels of Physical Activity, and Socialization in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Ketcheson, Leah; Hauck, Janet; Ulrich, Dale
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v21 n4 p481-492 May 2017
Despite evidence suggesting one of the earliest indicators of an eventual autism spectrum disorder diagnoses is an early motor delay, there remain very few interventions targeting motor behavior as the primary outcome for young children with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this pilot study was to measure the efficacy of an intensive motor skill intervention on motor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-2), physical activity (accelerometers), and socialization (Playground Observation of Peer Engagement) in young children with autism spectrum disorder. A total of 20 children with autism spectrum disorder aged 4-6 years participated. The experimental group (n = 11) participated in an 8-week intervention consisting of motor skill instruction for 4 h/day, 5 days/week. The control group (n = 9) did not receive the intervention. A repeated-measures analysis of covariance revealed statistically significant differences between groups in all three motor outcomes, locomotor (F(1, 14) = 10.07, p < 0.001, partial ?[superscript 2] = 0.42), object control (F(1, 14) = 12.90, p < 0.001, partial ?[superscript 2] = 0.48), and gross quotient (F(1, 14) = 15.61, p < 0.01, partial ?[superscript 2] = 0.53). Findings shed light on the importance of including motor programming as part of the early intervention services delivered to young children with autism spectrum disorder.
Descriptors: Psychomotor Skills, Intervention, Physical Activity Level, Socialization, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Program Effectiveness, Young Children, Experimental Groups, Control Groups, Statistical Analysis, Diagnostic Tests, Observation, Behavior Rating Scales, Adjustment (to Environment), Cognitive Ability, Children, Motor Development
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Michigan
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales; Mullen Scales of Early Learning
Grant or Contract Numbers: H325D110003