Abstract
Social and motor deficits among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are well documented. There is support to suggest a reciprocal relationship between social and motor deficits among individuals with ASD, in that social deficits prevent motor skill development and motor deficits prevent social skill development. The methods used to investigate motor and social impairments in children with ASD usually focus on quantitative methods and therefore do not provide the perspectives of caregivers. As such, this study explored social and motor impairments of children with ASD through the perspectives of eight caregivers of children with ASD using semi-structure interviews. Many salient findings emerged from the interviews conducted with caregivers, particularly concerning the social and motor development of their children. As well, the relationship between their children's social and motor deficits were also highlighted. Finally, the study discusses areas of concern that require attention. For instance, it is important that health care professionals educate parents about the consequences of motor impairments or delays and their associations with the development of social skills. As such, routine motor skill monitoring and assessments by caregivers and health care professionals should be encouraged. Future research exploring social and motor deficits in children with ASD through the caregiver perspective is warranted, as their perspectives can provide the framework needed to identify and minimize social and motor deficits in children with ASD.
