Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of motor intervention on social, communication, and cognitive skills in individuals (0-21 years) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Seven databases were used to search for randomized control trials (RCT) implementing a motor intervention for children with ASD; and measured social, communication, and cognitive outcomes. Twenty-three RCTs were selected with 66 outcomes and 636 participants (range of mean age: 4.3 - 12.3 years).
Motor interventions had a significant, positive effect on (1) all outcomes combined (i.e. social, communication, and cognitive) (: 0.41, = .01), (2) social (: 0.46, = .012) and (3) combined social/communication (: 0.47, = .01) domains, but not for the motor domain (SSMD: 0.45, = .25) or cognitive domain alone (SSMD: 0.22, = .18). In children above age nine, a 1-year increase in age corresponded to a 0.29 decrease in SSMD (less effective).
Motor interventions have a positive impact and should be considered when planning interventions for children with ASD.