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.
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:
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:
These challenges can manifest into:
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:
These challenges can manifest into:
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:
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.
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:
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:
Therapy is also a great way to work on improving gross motor skills. Some therapy options that you may consider include:
Repeatedly completing fine motor tasks can help develop fine motor skills. These include:
Occupational therapy is another great option. Occupational therapists can develop individualized plans that target skills like:
There are also plenty of home strategies that you can implement on your own. These include providing your loved one with accommodations like:
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.
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:
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:
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.