Gait function in newly diagnosed children with autism: Cerebellar and basal ganglia related motor disorder

Abstract

We investigated gait in newly diagnosed children with autism. From our previous study with 6- to 14-year-olds, we hypothesized that motor symptoms indicative of basal ganglia and cerebellar dysfunction would appear across the developmental trajectory of autism. Two groups were recruited: children with autism (eight males, three females; mean age 5y 10mo [SD 9mo]; range 4y 4mo-6y 9mo) and a comparison group of typically developing children (eight males, three females; mean age 5y 9mo [SD 1y 1mo]; range 4y 3mo-7y 2mo). The GAITRite Walkway was used to gather data from average gait and intra-walk measurements. Experienced physiotherapists analyzed gait qualitatively. Groups were matched accordi..