Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between gross motor skills and social function in young boys with autism spectrum disorder.
Methods: Twenty-one children with autism spectrum disorder participated in the study. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales Second Edition and the Miller Function and Participation Scales were used to assess gross motor skills. The Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales was used to assess social function.
Results: Moderately high correlations were found between overall gross motor and social skills (r = 0.644) and between the core stability motor subtest and overall social skills (r = -0.672). Specific motor impairments in stability, motor accuracy, and object manipulation scores were predictive of social function.
Conclusions: This study suggests that motor skills and social function are related in young boys with autism. Implications for physical therapy intervention are also discussed.