Statistical persistence and timing characteristics of repetitive circle drawing in children with ASD.

Objective: Standardized tests to assess movement difficulties in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evaluate motor output, but do not provide information about underlying dynamics. The objective of this research is to study the statistical persistence and temporal dynamics of a circle drawing task in children with ASD.

Methods: For this study 15 children diagnosed with ASD, aged 4-8 years, were asked to draw circles under various conditions using a computerized tablet. We then assessed fractal dynamics and global temporal dynamics (mean and coefficient of variation) and compared these quantities to those of typically developing (TD) controls.

Results: No difference in statistical persistence was found between children with ASD and TD children. Temporal measures showed increased variability in the ASD population in the discontinuous task.

Conclusion: Results support the hypothesis that children with ASD have an intact ability to consistently produce continuous movements, but increased variability in production of discontinuous movements.