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Motor Difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Linking Symptom Severity and Postural Stability

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Abstract

Postural stability is a fundamental aspect of motor ability that allows individuals to sustain and maintain the desired physical position of one’s body. The present study examined postural stability in average-IQ adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Twenty-six individuals with ASD and 26 age-and-IQ-matched individuals with typical development stood on one leg or two legs with eyes opened or closed on a Wii balance board. Results indicated significant group differences in postural stability during one-legged standing, but there were no significant group differences during two-legged standing. This suggests that static balance during more complex standing postures is impaired in average-IQ individuals with ASD. Further, current ASD symptoms were related to postural stability during two-legged standing in individuals with ASD. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend their gratitude to Megan Crisler, Joanna Mussey, Priscilla Everhart, Casey O’Quinn, Lisa Brady, and Seth Madison for their help with this project. Additionally, we would like to thank Rajesh Kana, William Hart, Frances Conners, and Ted Barker for their input into earlier drafts of this project. We would also like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the participants and their families. This study was prepared from a doctoral dissertation and supported through The University of Alabama Graduate Council Dissertation Fellowship and the University of Alabama Psychology Department Research Award.

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  1. Patrick S. Powell

    Present address: Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

  2. Laura G. Klinger

    Present address: TEACCH Autism Program, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

  3. Brittany G. Travers

    Present address: Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Room 531A, Madison, WI, 53705, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

    Brittany G. Travers, Patrick S. Powell, Laura G. Klinger & Mark R. Klinger

  2. Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Mark R. Klinger

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  1. Brittany G. Travers
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Correspondence to Brittany G. Travers.

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Travers, B.G., Powell, P.S., Klinger, L.G. et al. Motor Difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Linking Symptom Severity and Postural Stability. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 1568–1583 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1702-x

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