The impact of motor development on typical and atypical social cognition and language: A systematic review

Background: Motor development allows infants to gain knowledge of the world but its vital role in social development is often ignored. Method: A systematic search for papers investigating the relationship between motor and social skills was conducted, including research in typical development and in Developmental Coordination Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Specific Language Impairment. Results: The search identified 42 studies, many of which highlighted a significant relationship between motor skills and the development of social cognition, language and social interactions. Conclusions: This complex relationship requires more attention from researchers and practitioners, allowing the development of more tailored intervention techniques for those at risk of motor, social and language difficulties. Key Practitioner Message  Significant relationships exist between the development of motor skills, social cognition, language and social interactions in typical and atypical development  Practitioners should be aware of the relationships between these aspects of development and understand the impact that early motor difficulties may have on later social skills  Complex relationships between motor and social skills are evident in children with ASD, DCD and SLI  Early screening and more targeted interventions may be appropriate