Atypical cortical activation during fine motor tasks in autism spectrum disorder

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty coordinated fine motor skills, but the degree of significantly varies from person to person. To elucidate cause this diversity, we monitored brain activity during movement tasks (tying bowknots) by near-infrared spectroscopy in 17 adults ASD and 18 typical development matched for age, gender, intelligence quotient (IQ). We also examined relationship between activation developmental characteristics, including severity, using Autism-Spectrum Quotient Multi-dimensional Scale Pervasive Developmental Disorder Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Although participants group did not show significant clumsiness, their right prefrontal cortexes were relatively less activated, particularly individuals poor social skills inattention. Our study indicates that traits may use different strategies when performing movements; is, they areas responsible processing visual image or planning behaviors.