Autistic features in relation to motor function and quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder

Background: Although motor limitations are not currently considered clinical manifestations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they should not be ignored because of their high incidence and considerable influence on functional activity. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between autistic features, motor function, and quality of life (QoL) in children with ASD. Methods: Sixty children diagnosed with ASD from both sexes participated in this study. They were assessed for autistic features, motor skills, and QoL using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, and the Arabic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life generic core scale. Results: There was a significant negative correlation (p<0.001) between autistic features and QoL and a significant negative correlation (p<0.001) between autistic features and gross motor function, with Pearson correlation coefficients of -0.794 and -0.736, respectively. While the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.834, there was a significant positive correlation (p<0.001) between gross motor function and QoL. With a p-value (p<0.001), linear regression analysis revealed that autistic features are a highly significant predictor of QoL and gross motor function. Furthermore, gross motor function was a highly significant predictor of QoL (p<0.001). Conclusion: Autistic features adversely affect motor function and QoL in children with an autism spectrum disorder.