Desempenho manual e funcionalidade de crianças e adolescentes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista

Abstract

Introduction: Delay in motor performance of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not a diagnostic criterion; however, studies indicate that their motor skills may be lower than those of children with typical development. Manual performance stands out among the affected domains and may compromise activities of daily living and the functional level, given its direct relationship with everyday tasks. Objective: To verify the relationship between manual performance and functional performance of children and adolescents with ASD. Method: Cross-sectional and quantitative study, approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (CAAE: 79149824.4.0000.5149). Thirty-seven children and adolescents (7.97 ± 2.20 years), of both sexes, with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD participated in the study, recruited from the Sensory Integration Laboratory (LAIS) and the Interdisciplinary Autism Care Program (PRAIA). Manual dominance was assessed using the Global Lateral Preference Inventory (IPLAG-B); manual performance using the Box and Block Test (BBT); and functional performance using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory – Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT). Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were applied to verify associations between manual performance and PEDI-CAT domains, in addition to Student’s t test and the Wilcoxon test to compare between hands. Results: The children were mostly male and righthanded. In the BBT, similar performance between hands was observed (right hand = 35.2; left hand = 33.8 blocks) and a higher number of errors with the left hand (p = 0.030). There was a positive and significant correlation between the number of blocks of the right hand and the Responsibility domain of the PEDI-CAT (r = 0.441; p = 0.006), indicating a moderate association between manual dexterity and functional autonomy.Conclusion: Children and adolescents with ASD did not present significant manual asymmetry, suggesting a possible alteration in interhemispheric relationships. Reduced functional performance in Activities of Daily Living indicates greater difficulties in tasks that require coordination and motor planning. Interventions aimed at improving fine motor and adaptive skills may favor autonomy and social participation.