Abstract
Altered motor behaviour is commonly reported in Autism Spectrum Disorder, but the aetiology remains unclear. Here, we have
taken a computational approach in order to break down motor control into different components and review the functioning of
each process. Our findings suggest abnormalities in two areas—poor integration of information for efficient motor planning,
and increased variability in basic sensory inputs and motor outputs. In contrast, motor learning processes are relatively
intact and there is inconsistent evidence for deficits in predictive control. We suggest future work on motor abilities in
autism should focus on sensorimotor noise and on higher level motor planning, as these seem to have a significant role in
causing motor difficulties for autistic individuals.
taken a computational approach in order to break down motor control into different components and review the functioning of
each process. Our findings suggest abnormalities in two areas—poor integration of information for efficient motor planning,
and increased variability in basic sensory inputs and motor outputs. In contrast, motor learning processes are relatively
intact and there is inconsistent evidence for deficits in predictive control. We suggest future work on motor abilities in
autism should focus on sensorimotor noise and on higher level motor planning, as these seem to have a significant role in
causing motor difficulties for autistic individuals.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-22
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1574-0
- Authors
- Emma Gowen, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Carys Bannister Building, Dover Street, Manchester, M13 9PT UK
- Antonia Hamilton, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257