The course and prognostic capability of motor difficulties in infants showing early signs of autism.

Delays within the motor domain are often overlooked as an early surveillance marker for autism. The present study evaluated motor difficulties and its potential as an early predictive marker for later autism likelihood in a cohort of infants (N = 96) showing early behavioral signs of autism aged 9-14 months. The motor domain was evaluated using the motor subscales of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning at baseline, and at a 6-month follow-up. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Toddler Module (ADOS-T) was completed at follow-up as a measure of autism likelihood. Motor difficulties were common at baseline, with 63/96 (65.6%) infants scoring very low or below average in the gross motor domain and 29/96 (30.2%) in the fine motor domain. At follow-up, gross motor difficulties had resolved for many, with 23/63 (36.5%) infants maintaining these difficulties. Fine motor difficulties resolved in fewer infants, with 20/29 (69.0%) continuing to present with fine motor delays at follow-up. Adjusted linear regression models suggested that fine motor scores at baseline (ß = -0.12, SE = 0.04) and follow-up (ß = -0.17, SE = 0.05) were associated with higher ADOS-T scores; with difficulties across both timepoints (ß = 5.60, SE = 1.35) the strongest (largest in magnitude) association with ADOS-T scores of the predictors examined. Motor difficulties are prominent in children displaying emerging signs of autism, with persistent fine motor difficulties predictive of the developing autism phenotype. The findings indicate the potential clinical value of including evaluation of motor skills within early autism surveillance measures. LAY SUMMARY: This prospective study evaluated motor development over a 6-month period in infants showing early behavioral signs of autism. Atypical motor development was a common feature of infants showing early signs of autism and persistent fine motor difficulties were predictive of the emerging autism phenotype.

The unmet clinical needs of children with developmental coordination disorder.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to understand the challenges experienced by families obtaining a diagnosis and therapy for developmental coordination disorder (DCD). METHODS: Parents of 435 children aged 4-18 years with persistent motor difficulties consistent with a diagnosis of DCD completed an online survey. Diagnostic timeline and diagnostic label/s received were examined, along with therapies accessed. RESULTS: There was inconsistent diagnostic terminology (nine separate terms) with more children diagnosed with dyspraxia (64.7%) than DCD (48.8%). Even though most parents (87.0%) reported that receiving a diagnosis was helpful, children did not receive a diagnosis until years after seeking help (mean 2.8 ± 2.3 years). Many children were diagnosed with at least one co-occurring neurodevelopmental, language or learning disorder (70.0%). Almost all families had accessed therapy for their child's movement difficulties (93.9%), but more than half did not have access to funding to support therapy costs (57.8%) and reported that the costs caused financial strain (52.6%). Two out of every three families reported that they did not feel the current level of therapy was sufficient. CONCLUSIONS: This critical advocacy research highlights inconsistent and incorrect terminology and the challenges families experience in obtaining a diagnosis and adequate access to therapy for their child's movement difficulties. IMPACT: This is the first comprehensive study to examine the challenges families experience gaining a diagnosis and therapy for their child with DCD. Families regularly experienced prolonged diagnosis; 45% waited between 2 and 4 years. There is no clear diagnostic pathway, with children more likely to be diagnosed with dyspraxia than the correct clinical diagnosis of DCD. More extensive implementation of the diagnostic guidelines into clinical practice is needed.