Survey of Child Neurologists Highlights a Missed Opportunity for Identifying and Treating Motor Impairments in Autism.

A survey of 100 child neurologists found major gaps in how they understand and treat movement problems in autistic children. Most doctors weren't confident that movement difficulties are common in autism, didn't regularly check for these problems, and lacked proper tools and training. This represents a missed opportunity since movement problems are very common in autism and can significantly impact a child's development.

This preliminary survey of 100 child neurologists examined their knowledge and clinical practices regarding motor impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study revealed significant gaps in clinical care: most neurologists lacked confidence that motor impairments are associated features of ASD, infrequently evaluated for motor problems, had insufficient assessment tools, faced barriers to providing interventions, and received inadequate training on this topic. Despite child neurologists being trained to assess motor function, the findings highlight a missed opportunity for identifying and treating motor impairments in autistic children. The authors suggest that enhanced education and resources are needed to improve holistic care for individuals with ASD.

Results suggest need for enhanced medical education and training programs for child neurologists regarding motor impairments in autism. Development of appropriate assessment tools and intervention pathways could improve identification and treatment of motor problems in autistic children, potentially leading to better developmental outcomes.

This is described as a preliminary study with a relatively small sample of 100 neurologists. The survey methodology and response rate are not detailed in the abstract. Findings may not be generalizable to all regions or healthcare systems.

Motor impairments, such as motor delays, atypical gait, dyspraxia, and poor coordination, are highly prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Motor impairments are detrimental to multiple aspects of development but are often underdiagnosed and undertreated in children and adolescents with ASD. Child neurologists are specialists who provide clinical care for autistic patients across the lifespan. However, little is known about how child neurologists understand, diagnose, and treat motor impairments in children with ASD.

In this preliminary study, we surveyed child neurologists (N = 100) on their knowledge of and clinical practices addressing motor impairments in pediatric patients with ASD. Our survey also sought to identify potential barriers to care and medical education efforts that may mitigate existing gaps. We found most child neurologists were not confident that motor impairments were an associated feature of ASD, do not frequently evaluate for motor impairments, lack sufficient tools for motor evaluations with autistic children, face multiple barriers to providing interventions, and do not receive adequate clinical training regarding this topic. These preliminary findings suggest that substantial gaps in awareness about motor impairments in ASD persist among practicing child neurologists.

Though child neurologists are trained to assess motor function, our results highlight a missed opportunity in the setting of ASD. Child neurologists would benefit from greater attention and resources to learn, evaluate, and treat motor impairments as part of holistic patient care for individuals with ASD.