One of the biggest misconceptions about autism is that it only impacts interpersonal communication skills. In reality, many individuals with autism navigate differences in motor development, movement, balance, and coordination alongside their differences in communication styles.
The relationship between autism and motor skills varies widely from person to person. If you are the loved one of an autistic person, early recognition of their motor differences can help you provide them with supports and interventions that meet their needs.
How Autism Can Affect Motor Skills & Mobility
The term motor skills describes one’s ability to coordinate and control the movements of one's body.
Both neurodivergent and neurotypical people use motor skills daily, but differences in processing between the two groups can sometimes manifest as differences in movement execution.
Autistic people often move their bodies in unique ways. Research has found that there is an association between neurodevelopmental conditions (like autism) and differences in motor behavior.
These challenges may first present in early childhood, but often persist into adolescence and adulthood. Many researchers theorize that these differences may be connected to things like:
- Sensory processing
- Motor planning
- Coordination between visual stimuli & bodily movement
Autism & Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are movements that involve the body’s larger muscle groups, such as your core, arms, legs, and back. They allow the body to perform whole-body movements such as crawling, walking, or running.
Some of the gross motor challenges that autistic people face include:
- Poor balance
- Poor coordination
- Delayed walking/running
- Trouble navigating stairs
- Difficulty participating in sports
These challenges can manifest into:
- Reduced confidence
- Avoidance of physical activities
- Greater risks of falls and injuries
- Difficulty interacting with / keeping up with peers
Autism & Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills involve smaller, more precise movements, like those carried out by your hands, fingers, and feet. They rely heavily on hand-eye coordination, which can make them challenging for people with autism who struggle with motor planning.
Some of the fine motor challenges that autistic people face include:
- Holding tools for writing or drawing (pencils, pens, crayons)
- Handwriting difficulty
- “T-Rex hands” at idle
- Difficulty buttoning clothing or using zippers
- Difficulty using utensils
- Challenges with activities like toothbrushing
These challenges can manifest into:
- Greater dependence when completing self-care tasks
- Frustration
- Extended time needed for everyday tasks
Why Identifying Mobility Challenges is Crucial
Ultimately, early recognition allows for earlier support. If motor challenges are identified in early childhood, then interventions can help to address them before they become more significant.
Early recognition and intervention can:
- Support independence
- Improve confidence
- Decrease frustration
- Decrease the likelihood of injury
It is important to remember that the most useful interventions for you or your loved one are individualized. Every autistic person who experiences motor difficulties has different strengths and challenges, and personalizing the approach can help to ensure its effectiveness.
What Support Options Exist for Autism and Motor Skill Development?
Improvement in motor skills often comes from interventions that combine consistency, support, and individualization. Remember that the goal of such interventions is not perfection but rather to increase overall independence.
The best interventions for improving both fine and gross motor skills:
- Break movements into smaller steps. This can help to reduce overwhelm and make each activity more approachable.
- Practice consistently. Motor skills don’t improve overnight. Setting up recurring schedules can help create routine.
- Celebrate small improvements. The goal is not perfection; it’s improvement. Be sure to celebrate when you recognize it.
- Align with individual interests. Make things fun! Choose activities that align with your loved one’s existing interests.
Gross Motor Skill Activities
Physical activity is a great way to improve gross motor skills through repetition. These activities include anything that encourages full-body movement. Some examples of potential physical play activities include:
- Obstacle courses
- Dancing
- Yoga
- Swimming
Therapy is also a great way to work on improving gross motor skills. Some therapy options that you may consider include:
- Physical therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Adaptive community sports programs
- Adaptive physical education
Fine Motor Skill Activities
Repeatedly completing fine motor tasks can help develop fine motor skills. These include:
- Drawing
- Coloring
- Writing
- Painting
- Puzzles
Occupational therapy is another great option. Occupational therapists can develop individualized plans that target skills like:
- Fine motor skills
- Sensory integration
- Daily living skills
There are also plenty of home strategies that you can implement on your own. These include providing your loved one with accommodations like:
- Adaptive utensils
- Pencil grips
- Velcro closures
If you’re implementing strategies at home, remember that practicing through enjoyable activities can mean the difference between a fun routine and a repetitive drill. Individualizing your approach can improve your loved one’s experience and, in turn, help them be more engaged in the interventions.
Other Resources
There are a host of other resources that can help you or your loved one with autism develop in both gross and fine motor skills. Some examples include:
- Professional Supports: Occupational therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy
- Community Supports: Support groups, Adaptive recreational programs, Inclusive sports teams
- Home Supports: Visual schedules, Positive reinforcement, Self-Care practice
CA Residents Can Find Additional Motor Skill Development Supports Through SDP
Though motor skill differences are commonly identified in individuals with autism, it is important to remember that they vary widely from person to person. One individual with autism may experience significant motor challenges, while another experiences very little or none. Regardless, early identification can help families create individualized support plans that can improve mobility, confidence, and independence.
If you live in California, the Self Determination Program (SDP) can provide your family with funding to develop your individualized support plan. This funding can be used for services like:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Adaptive equipment
Not sure where to start? NeuroNav can help. Our independent facilitation services can help you understand your options and create a personalized plan to support your loved one’s unique goals. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step towards your loved one’s independence.
