Examining Transdiagnostic Patterns of Motor Differences: Preliminary Findings From the Consortium for Motor Behavior in Neurodivergence (COMBINE)

Nicholas E Fears; Priscila M Tamplain; Haylie L Miller

doi:10.1007/s10803-025-07042-0

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Examining Transdiagnostic Patterns of Motor Differences: Preliminary Findings From the Consortium for Motor Behavior in Neurodivergence (COMBINE)

Journal article

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Examining Transdiagnostic Patterns of Motor Differences: Preliminary Findings From the Consortium for Motor Behavior in Neurodivergence (COMBINE)

Nicholas E Fears, Priscila M Tamplain and Haylie L Miller

Journal of autism and developmental disorders

09/27/2025

DOI: 10.1007/s10803-025-07042-0

PMID: 41014412

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Abstract

While some diagnostic groups are characterized in terms of motor features, others are at risk of overlooked motor challenges due to emphasis on social-cognitive features. These conditions often co-occur, making it difficult to determine the specific contribution of each to the overall pattern of observed motor challenges across neurodivergence. The COMBINE dataset included 262 cases (216 Male, 46 Female) with one or more neurodevelopmental conditions. We used generalized linear models to assess the effect of each of 4 diagnoses (autism, ADHD, DCD, CAS) on Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd edition, MABC-2) total score, Manual Dexterity domain score, Aiming & Catching domain score, and Balance domain score; age; sex, and diagnoses. Movement scores were low in all groups, with 77% of cases in the Red Zone (DCD likely). Diagnosis of DCD predicted lower overall scores and Manual Dexterity scores, diagnosis of ADHD predicted higher overall scores and Balance scores, and diagnosis of autism predicted lower Aiming & Catching scores. These results suggest motor challenges are clinically-significant across several neurodevelopmental conditions, and that some conditions have independent effects on domain-specific motor skills. This study is the first step toward determining whether each neurodevelopmental condition has a unique motor "signature", or if motor differences are ubiquitous across this population.

Autism

Neurodevelopmental conditions

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Motor differences

Developmental coordination disorder

Childhood apraxia of speech

Details

Title: Subtitle: Examining Transdiagnostic Patterns of Motor Differences: Preliminary Findings From the Consortium for Motor Behavior in Neurodivergence (COMBINE)
Creators: Nicholas E Fears - Louisiana State University
Priscila M Tamplain - The University of Texas at Arlington
Haylie L Miller - University of Michigan
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of autism and developmental disorders
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-025-07042-0
PMID: 41014412
NLM abbreviation: J Autism Dev Disord
ISSN: 0162-3257
eISSN: 1573-3432
Grant note: UM1 TR004404 / NCATS NIH HHS K01 MH107774 / NIMH NIH HHS P30-AG024824 / NIA NIH HHS P30 AG024824 / NIA NIH HHS Louisiana State University / Louisiana State University K01-MH107774 / NIMH NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 09/27/2025
Academic Unit: Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
Record Identifier: 9985219866202771

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