Visual cognition and dynamic balance in persons with autism spectrum disorder

Visual cognition and dynamic balance are distinguished as two crucial aspects for individuals with autism. Still, the relationship and/or contribution to the overall development between them are unclear. This study examines the relationship between these two domains for individuals with autism. Five males with autism (age: 20.8 ± 3.71) were involved in this study, and eight males without autism (age: 28.9 ± 4.52) were included as in comparison group. Measures included were Raven test for visual cognition and Pro Balance (Lab rehab™) test for dynamic balance. The results showed that non-autistic group (M = 117.75, SD = 44.89) [autistic group: M = 61.25, SD = 32.88] performed better in dynamic balance test (p <.05, d = -1.36); visual cognition was not a good predictor of dynamic balance and vice versa (p >.05); and, dynamic balance and body weight seems negatively correlated (r = -.993, p < .05). Although lower dynamic balance in autistic group was found in this study, a more comprehensive comparison was recommended still for further investigations. Copyright © 2017 International Journal of Social Science and Humanity.