Relationship between Upper Limb Co-Ordination and Severity Level in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract
Background: Autism is a multisystem neurodevelopmental disturbance characterized by stereotyped behaviors, restricted interests, as well as impaired communication and social interactions.
Aim of Study: The current study examined the relationship between upper limb coordination, as measured by Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2nd Edition (BOT-2), and autism severity, as measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).
Subjects and Methods: Thirty (30) children with a diag-nosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were evaluated using the CARS and then tested for upper limb coordination using (BOT-2), Statistical analysis was then conducted to examine the relationship between autism severity and upper limb coordination.
Results: The results of the present study showed that there was a negative correlation between CARS score and upper limb after adjustment for age, weight, height, gender and year of birth.
Conclusion: Evidence suggests that upper limb coordina-tion in children with ASD is related to the severity of the disorder. Further research is needed to determine the extent and consistency of the motor impairments and possible treat-ments.