| The current study examines the relationship between gross motor proficiency and social competency in children with developmental delays (DD). Participants included 36 children from four early intervention centers in Ontario and Quebec. This study examined the nature of the relationship (the magnitude and direction) between social skills, peer relations, and gross motor skills, and then examined these same variables for differences based on the children's diagnoses (those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) versus other DD) and age (younger children versus older children). Correlational analyses revealed that overall, gross motor proficiency was positively related to improved social competency for children with ASD. A positive relationship was also found between gross motor proficiency and the number of peer initiations made by children. Children with ASD who have improved gross motor development are more likely to show efficient strategies during play which includes being better able to maintain play activities with peers. Finally, gross motor proficiency was negatively related to conflict resolution strategies, which was thought to be due to increased verbal assertion and controlling manner as a result of increased mobility. The results of this study have direct implications for early intervention for children with ASD as well as those with other DD. Therapies that focus on motor development may not only have a direct impact on self-efficacy and willingness to engage in motor activities, but may also be related to various subcomponents of social competency with peer groups.;Keywords: gross motor proficiency, social competency, developmental delay. |
