the study of role of motor skills for predicting social skill and challenging behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

The present study is aimed to determine the relationship between motor skills with social skills and challenging behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Descriptive- correlation research method has been used in this study. Statistical population includes all of boy children with ASD were accepted Autistic centers located in Tehran in1395-1396. A total of 50 boy children with ASD between the ages 5-14 years were selected as a sample by cluster sampling method. The participants completed Test of Social Skills Rating Scale teacher's form Gresham and Elliot (1999), Repetitive behavior scale from Bodfish (2000) and Ulrich Gross Motor Development (2000). Pearson's coefficient of correlation, regression and T statistical tests used to analysis of data. The result revealed that there were a positive significant relationship (P<0/05) between motor skills and social skills and there were a negative significant relationship (P<0/05) between motor skills and challenging behaviors. The result of Regression Analysis have been showed loco motor and control subject subtests could predict 48 percent of social skill and 24 percent of challenging behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. Considering, the result have been showed motor skills as a predictor of social skills and challenging behavior .It can be an effective factor in interventions for increasing social skills and decreasing challenging behaviors.

Keywords

• autism spectrum disorders
• motor skills
• social skill
• challenging behavior