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Fundamental Motor Skill Interventions for Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: a Literature Review

  • Andrew M. Colombo-DougovitoEmail author
  • Martin E. Block
Review Paper
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Abstract

In addition to the core characteristics of ASD, recent research has demonstrated that children on the autism spectrum develop motor skills differently, often delayed, compared with peers. Motor skill interventions can help improve motor skills, which in turn can increase the likelihood of participating in physical activity (PA) and potential to build social skills. However, research in this area is limited. A search of several prominent databases revealed a total of five empirical studies focused on building gross motor skills for children on the autism spectrum. Although the reviewed studies varied in the delivery and focus of intervention, overall, the reviewed studies suggest a positive effect from any intervention for children on the autism spectrum. Further research in this area is necessary to better understand the most effective means of delivering a motor skill intervention.

Keywords

Gross motor skills Intervention Autism spectrum disorder Youth development 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Luke Kelly, Dr. B. Ann Boyce, and Dr. Nancy Deutsch.

Compliance with Ethical Standards

Ethical Approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, & RecreationUniversity of North TexasDentonUSA
  2. 2.Department of KinesiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUSA

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