Impact of Motor Skills Training in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and an Intellectual Disability.

This study employed an intervention involving motor skills training, whole body exercise, and sports and games to improve manual motor skills and reaction time in a group of adults with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability (ASD-ID). Eleven adults with ASD-ID engaged in this intervention for 90 minutes twice a week, for 12 weeks. Modified versions of the 25 Grooved Pegboard, Box and Block, and Stick Catching Tests measured fine and gross motor skills and reaction time, respectively. Motor skills were evaluated at the beginning, middle, and end of the program, and following 4 weeks with no training. Trends indicating improvement in motor skills were evident, but participant difficulties in performing the Stick Catching Test made assessment of reaction time challenging. Despite this, many findings of practical significance emerged from this study, which demonstrated a viable model for implementation of similar programs with multiple participants. Given the importance of motor skills for independence, safety, and quality of life, more research on activities that promote the development of these skills in adults with ASD-ID is warranted. Understanding how to facilitate motor skill development in these individuals will assist them in becoming more active in the community and more independent around their homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]