Researchers investigate associations between autism spectrum disorder and dyspraxia

A new study reveals intriguing connections between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and dyspraxia. 

Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects gross and/or fine motor movements. It is often seen in ASD and also affects approximately 2-6% of the general population. 

In the new study, Sarah Cassidy and colleagues analyzed data contributed online by 2,871 adults with ASD and 10,706 controls. The researchers asked participants if they had been diagnosed with dyspraxia. In addition, a large subset of participants in each group completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Empathy Quotient (EQ). 

The researchers say that nearly 7% of adults with ASD reported a diagnosis of dyspraxia, compared to only 0.8% of controls. In the ASD group, dyspraxia was not significantly related to AQ or EQ scores. However, the researchers say, that control group members with dyspraxia reported significantly higher levels of autistic traits and lower levels of empathy than controls without dyspraxia. 

The researchers conclude, “These results suggest that motor coordination skills are important for effective social skills and empathy.” In addition, they say, their findings indicate that ASD and dyspraxia may overlap, “particularly as both conditions are seemingly associated with atypical development of neurons within the cerebral cortex.”

Citations

“Dyspraxia and autistic traits in adults with and without autism spectrum conditions,” Sarah Cassidy, Penelope Hannant, Teresa Tavassoli, Carrie Allison, Paula Smith, and Simon Baron-Cohen, Molecular Autism, 2016 (open access). Address: Sarah Cassidy, Centre for Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK, sarah.cassidy@ coventr y.ac.uk.