LAUSR

Abstract Background Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have poor postural stability. The objective of our study was to explore further postural capabilities in ASD children by measuring spatial as well as temporal displacement of the center of pressure using wavelet analysis. Method Thirty children with ASD (12.1 ± 2.9 years) and 30 sex-, age- and IQ-matched typically developing children participated in the study. We recorded postural control using Multitest, also called Balance Quest, Equilibre from Framiral® in three viewing conditions (eyes open, eyes closed and with perturbed vision) and in two postural conditions (stable and unstable). Results Our results show that children with ASD displayed a deficit in postural stability in comparison with typically developing children, especially when sensory inputs are not all available. Conclusion Such poor postural control in children with ASD could be due to both an impairment in using sensorial inputs appropriately and a deficit in the ability to compensate for sensorial changes.