Daily living skills such as dressing, preparing meals, cleaning, and managing self-care are essential for independence across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Many autistic children and adolescents experience challenges with motor skills, and research has long suggested a link between motor difficulties and reduced daily living skills. But until recently, it wasn’t clear which specific motor […]
Motor skill development is often overlooked in early intervention for children with autism, but it shouldn’t be. A recent study explored how a structured motor intervention program (MIP) for preschoolers with autism can improve not only movement skills, but also social, academic, and behavioral development. Learn more about motor skill activities and autism. What Did […]
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with motor coordination, which can affect everyday skills like dressing, writing, or playing with peers. A 2025 study by Tsujishita and colleagues helps clarify how different types of motor practice, specifically constant vs. variable practice, can impact motor learning in this population. Learn more about what the […]
What does the research tell us about gross motor skills and autism? There has been quite a bit of research on the gross motor skill abilities of individuals with autism. A recent study took a closer look using a meta-analysis of the research to determine the motor skill abilities of individuals with autism and how […]
Motor skills are an important aspect of daily living activities for all people, but they can be especially challenging for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Occupational and physical therapists play a vital role in helping adults with ASD develop the motor skills they need to function independently. Recent research took a closer look at […]
Pediatric occupational and physical therapists often evaluate children’s motor skill abilities to determine how these skills affect an individual’s function. Gross motor skills are necessary throughout the day to complete so many activities starting from getting out of bed in the morning, walking throughout school, playing after school and heading up to bed at night. […]
Researchers have observed that children with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, can experience sensorimotor impairments before they show signs of social and communication symptoms. Poor motor skills in individuals with ASD may affect many tasks such as playing with toys, handwriting, picking up a glass of water, and zipping up a coat, etc. which can […]
A recent research study looked closely at action observation, imitation, and autism. The study wanted to explore how neurologically, motor impairments contribute to the deficits and unique neural signatures of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Precognitive embodied simulation is the ability to understand other people’s actions and intentions and implicitly map other’s actions onto […]
Most children in the United States do not get enough physical activity per day including young children with autism. When children do not get the recommended moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day they are at greater risk for obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, low bone density, asthma, and depression. Research indicates that children who […]
As pediatric therapists, teachers and parents, we often observe children with delayed motor skills and autism. Motor impairments are often present in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When children are diagnosed with ASD, they are not usually also diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). A recent study in Physical Therapy examined the relationship between ASD and […]