Gross motor skills of children with autism

Authors

  • Litresh Williams, MS
  • Lei Guo, PhD, LRT/CTRS
  • Shirley Armstrong, PhD
  • Ardashia Peay, MS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2012.0026

Keywords:

gross motor skill, autism, children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure the gross motor skills of children with autism, aged 3-5 years, and to compare their performances with the norms for the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). Five participants, three girls and two boys, comprised the sample. The results revealed that differences exist in the gross motor skills of children with autism and without autism. Consistent with trends from the general population, differences were found between boys (n _ 2) and girls (n _ 3) with the largest differences found in the Gross Motor Development Quotient (GMDQ). Overall fundamental skill delays were demonstrated by four of the participants, placing them in the below average TGMD-2 performance category. The findings from this study support the need for therapeutic recreation specialists to provide appropriate recreational programs to improve the gross motor skills of young children with autism.

Author Biographies

Litresh Williams, MS

North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina.

Lei Guo, PhD, LRT/CTRS

Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Recreation, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina.

Shirley Armstrong, PhD

North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina.

Ardashia Peay, MS

North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina.

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Published

07/01/2012

How to Cite

Williams, MS, L., Guo, PhD, LRT/CTRS, L., Armstrong, PhD, S., & Peay, MS, A. (2012). Gross motor skills of children with autism. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 11(3), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2012.0026

Issue

Section

Articles