Relationship between visuospatial working memory and fine and gross motor skills in children with developmental disabilities: a preliminary study.

Abstract

[Purpose] The relationship between fine and gross motor function and visuospatial working memory in children with autism spectrum disorder remains unclear. This study examined whether visuospatial working memory is associated with gross or fine motor skills in children with developmental disabilities and motor coordination disorders. [Participants and Methods] The study included 30 children with autism spectrum disorder (24 boys and 6 girls; mean age: 9.5 ± 2.2 years) enrolled in child development support and after-school daycare service centers in Osaka Prefecture. Fine motor skills, gross motor skills, visuospatial working memory, and developmental disabilities were assessed. Data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation and multiple regression analyses. [Results] A significant relationship was observed between fine motor skills and visuospatial working memory, and a positive correlation remained after controlling for age. Multiple regression analysis with fine motor scores as the dependent variable and age, visuospatial working memory, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores as independent variables demonstrated a significant association only for visuospatial working memory. [Conclusion] The study findings suggest that factors influencing fine and gross motor skills vary, highlighting the need for skill-specific interventions to address deficiencies effectively.