Exploring the impact of motor and social skills on activity participation among children with autism spectrum disorder

This study aimed to examine the relationship between motor and social skills reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the frequency of participation in different types of activities among children with ASD, as reported by caregivers. Caregivers (n = 100) of children with an ASD diagnosis completed four survey instruments to assess motor skills (the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire), social skills (Emotion Regulation and Social Skills Questionnaire), and characteristics of participation (Activity Questionnaire, and Child Participation Questionnaire) among their children. Subscales for the participation questionnaires allowed for targeted inquiry into different categories of participation (e.g., social and recreational tasks). Motor skills and social skills were found to be significantly correlated. Motor skills demonstrated significant correlations with a number of participation categories, while social skills had strong significant correlations with all participation subscales. Moderation analysis found that motor skills and social skills both demonstrated simple effects, and that there was a significant moderating effect of social skills on the relationship between motor skills and participation in a number of participation subscales. Findings provide further insight into the relationship between motor and social skills in children with autism, and potential implications for participation.