Early identification of autism facilitates referral for early intervention services, shown to be effective in enhancing parent-child interaction as well as adaptive behavior, communication, and socialization. Traditional hallmarks for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as stereotypic or repetitive behavioral patterns. Research during the past decade suggests that developmental motor delays during early childhood may also be important predictors of this difficult-to-make diagnosis. The purpose of this short communication is to describe specific research findings about developmental motor delays and other neuromotor concerns that may contribute to the early diagnosis of ASD and thus hasten referral for early therapeutic intervention.
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