Relationship between motor skills and receptive language in children with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND: Motor impairments are increasingly recognized as a core component of the functional profile in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with potential associations for communication development. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between gross and fine motor skills and receptive communication in children with ASD. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 21 children aged 3 to 6 years diagnosed with ASD. Motor abilities were assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2), and receptive communication was evaluated through the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Strong, positive, and statistically significant correlations (p < 0.001) were observed between receptive communication and all motor variables, with the strongest association found with gross motor skills (r = 0.85). Although correlations were generally stronger in females, no statistically significant sex differences were detected. Additionally, intercorrelations among the PDMS-2 subtests were consistently high (r ≥ 0,63). CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal significant associations between motor skills and receptive communication in children with ASD.