Analysis of Laterality and Manual Dexterity in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to analyze laterality and manual dexterity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). From the point of view of human motor skills, laterality contributes to the motor maturation process. Among the main characteristics of autism is the delay in gross and fine motor skills, with progressive worsening in the condition. Analyzing the level of laterality of the individual with ASD becomes important because it allows a direction in the motor intervention in order to improve the functionality and quality of life of the autistic person. The sample of this study was composed of eight children, students of a public education institution, male, with an average age of 8.75 ± 1.83 years old and diagnosed with ASD based on the DSM-V. The results showed that the study participants seem to have right handedness and also better performance with the preferred hand in a manual dexterity task. It was observed that, in the task that demanded more attention and dexterity, the difference in hand performance was significant. In the task with the lowest attentional demand and manual dexterity, the performance between the hands was not significant; however, it was at that moment that the biggest mistakes in execution were observed. Motivation can be a fundamental variable for motor performance in tasks that assess execution time. It is important to emphasize the development of the motor skills of these individuals during the school phase to reduce motor difficulties and, consequently, improve quality of life, sense of well-being, autonomy and social interaction.

摘要：本研究旨在分析自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）儿童的偏侧性（laterality）与手工灵巧度（manual dexterity）。从人类运动技能的视角来看，偏侧性有助于运动成熟进程。自闭症的核心特征之一包括粗大与精细运动技能发育迟缓，且随病程进展逐渐加重。分析自闭症患者的偏侧性水平具有重要意义，因为这可为运动干预提供方向，从而改善自闭症患者的运动功能与生活质量。本研究的样本由8名男性儿童组成，均为某公立教育机构的学生，平均年龄为8.75±1.83岁，且均依据《精神障碍诊断与统计手册第五版（DSM-V）》确诊为自闭症谱系障碍。研究结果显示，受试儿童均表现出右利手倾向，且在手工灵巧度任务中，优势手的表现更佳。观察发现，在对注意力与灵巧度要求更高的任务中，双手的表现差异具有统计学意义。而在注意力与灵巧度要求最低的任务中，双手表现无显著差异，但此时却出现了最多的执行失误。对于评估执行时长的运动任务而言，动机可能是影响运动表现的核心变量。需着重强调，在学龄阶段促进此类儿童的运动技能发展，有助于减轻其运动障碍，进而改善其生活质量、幸福感、自主性与社会交往能力。