Motor-Communication Skill Link in Minimally Speaking Children on the Autism Spectrum from the U.S. and India

Abstract

We aimed to examine the interrelations between motor and communication skills, as well as associations between motor skill subdomains and different communicative functions in minimally speaking children on the autism spectrum, whereas accounting for the child's age, country of residence, educational setting, and communication modalities (covariates). Data from 67 minimally speaking children on the autism spectrum (ages 4–9) from India and the U.S. were analyzed. Motor and communication skills were assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales–Third Edition and the Communication Matrix. Linear regression was used to examine associations between communication and motor skills, and partial correlations were conducted to explore relations between motor skill subdomains and communicative functions. Motor skills were significantly associated with communication skills, independent of covariates. Significant relations were also observed between both motor skill subdomains and refusal functions, as well as between gross motor skills and the obtain function. No significant associations were found between social or information functions and any motor skill subdomain, independent of covariates. The findings underscore the complex and interrelated nature of motor and communication skills. Consideration of both motor and communication skills in intervention approaches may provide insights into ways to support communication development in minimally speaking children on the autism spectrum.