Timing deficits are implicated in motor dysfunction in Asperger's Syndrome

This study addressed what role movement timing irregularities have in producing the motor deficits documented in Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Participants included males with AS (n = 14) and without (n = 16), matched by age (7–23 years) and with no significant IQ differences. They completed measures of timing perception (comparisons of tempo of tones) and production (rhythmic finger tapping), and general motor skills (Dean–Woodcock Neuropsychological Battery motor tests). No central timing difficulties were noted, but the AS group showed more irregularity in motor implementation (with a large effect size), and this irregularity correlated with general motor skills.

► Studies have demonstrated significant motor difficulties in Asperger's Syndrome; however, these studies do not describe the quality of the movement difficulties.
► The present study was designed to assess timing perception, production, and sources of variability in AS, and link findings to other aspects of motor development.
► The results suggest that even though youths with Asperger's Syndrome have accurate central timers, their motor implementation is irregular, and this irregularity is associated with their motor difficulties.