Early Motor Function of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT: Early motor impairments have been reported in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), but it is not clear if early detection of can identify at risk for NDD or how such might be detected. OBJECTIVE: To characterize function later diagnosed relative to typically developing normative data. DATA SOURCES: The Cumulative Index Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus electronic databases were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Eligible studies required include an examination (0–24 months) diagnosis by using standardized assessment tools. EXTRACTION: Data extracted 4 independent researchers. quality the was assessed Standard Quality Assessment Criteria Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety Fields checklist. RESULTS: Twenty-five included this review; most studies, authors examined autism spectrum disorder (ASD). detected ASD. meta-analysis results indicated that differences fine, gross, generalized functions between ASD groups increased age. Motor across different found mixed. LIMITATIONS: Results may applicable types review. CONCLUSIONS: are evident More research needed ascertain clinical utility impairment as transdiagnostic marker risk.