Did you know that about 90% of humans are right handed? Did you also know that research indicates a decreased degree of right-handedness in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)? In addition, other research found that children with ASD tended to have more mixed-handedness, but that those who had a definite hand preference performed better […]
Pediatrics published a large study on the relationship between delayed walking in children and the severity of intellectual disability in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) versus other non-ASD diagnoses. The study sample included 1185 individuals (ASD, n = 903; non-ASD, n = 282) who received an evaluation at age 4 to 12 years that included […]
The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published research to examine the evidence regarding motor impairment specificity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is difficult to determine if there is evidence for specificity of motor impairment within different clinical groups. For example, are certain motor impairments associated with specific diagnoses? Previous research indicates […]
Biological Psychiatry published research comparing resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans from 100 8- to 12-year-old children of which 50 had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results were analyzed and functional connectivity was estimated between visual and motor systems. Brain-behavior relationships were evaluated by regressing functional connectivity measures with social deficit […]
Research in Developmental Disabilities published an article comparing implicit versus explicit motor learning in 30 boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their age and IQ matched peers. Each children participated in a serial reaction time task (SRTT). The children were separated into different groups based on diagnosis and implicit or explicit learning for the […]
Research in Developmental Disabilities published research on secondary and post-secondary student with congenital motor disabilities. By examining a task of throwing a ball at a target, data was collected on self-regulatory aspects (i.e., goal-setting, self-efficacy and self-evaluation). Participants were divided into four subgroups: 1.) normal cognitive development and mild physical disabilities 2.)normal cognitive development and […]
Gait & Posture published research comparing 16 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and 16 typically developing children (TD) to determine the effects of a light fingertip touch on postural control. Postural sway was measured with a force platform in different conditions: anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, light fingertip touch (LT) and no touch […]
Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly published research on a questionnaire completed by 35 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 60 typically developing (TD) adolescents comparing physical activity enjoyment, perceived barriers, beliefs, and self-efficacy. The results indicated the following: fewer adolescents with ASD enjoyed team sports – 65% vs. 95% of TD adolescents. fewer adolescents […]
Do you have any students who need just a little extra reminder of where the chair ends? Maybe an external cue of where to put their hips? Grab a pool noodle. Measure it to fit the seat of the chair and cut off the excess. Use some duct tape and strap it to the chair. […]
American Journal of Occupational Therapy published a systemic review on the effectiveness of work, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) education, and sleep interventions for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The author found a total of 23 studies: 9 work related, 11 ADL/IADL, 3 education-related interventions and 0 sleep studies were […]