Motor skills are an important part of everyday life. From holding a spoon to running on the playground, children rely on fine and gross motor abilities to learn, play, and grow. For many children with autism, motor skill development can look a little different. Some children progress on track, while others may face delays or challenges that impact independence.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how autism affects motor skills, why these differences matter, and strategies we can use to help children build confidence in movement.

How Autism Affects Motor Skills

Research shows that motor challenges are common among children with autism. In fact, studies suggest that up to 80% of children on the spectrum experience some type of motor delay. These challenges can appear in both fine and gross motor skills, sometimes from a very early age.

Fine Motor Skills in Autism

Fine motor skills involve small, precise movements—like writing, buttoning a shirt, or picking up a small toy. Children with autism may:

• Struggle with handwriting or coloring inside the lines

• Find it hard to use utensils or scissors

• Avoid tasks that require finger strength and coordination

These difficulties can make schoolwork and daily routines more challenging, which sometimes affects confidence.

Gross Motor Skills in Autism

Gross motor skills involve larger movements, such as jumping, running, or climbing. Some children with autism may:

• Appear clumsy or uncoordinated

• Struggle with balance and posture

• Have difficulty learning new physical activities, like riding a bike

These challenges can make social play harder, since many playground games rely on physical coordination.

Why Motor Skills Matter

Motor skills are more than just movement—they connect to communication, learning, and social development. A child who struggles with handwriting may also struggle to complete assignments. A child who finds climbing difficult might miss out on playground interactions with peers.

Motor Skills and Daily Living

Motor delays can affect independence with daily routines like:

• Dressing (zippers, buttons, shoelaces)

• Feeding (using a fork or spreading with a knife)

• Self-care (brushing teeth, washing hands)

When these tasks are tough, children may become frustrated or avoid them altogether.

Motor Skills and Social Development

Physical activities often serve as a bridge to friendships. If a child can’t keep up with games like tag or soccer, they may feel left out. This can affect self-esteem and motivation to join in.

Strategies to Support Motor Skill Development

The good news is that with the right support, children with autism can make meaningful progress in motor skills. Therapy, play, and structured practice all play important roles.

Encourage Play-Based Practice

Play is one of the most natural ways for children to practice movement. Simple activities like building with blocks, stringing beads, or playing catch can strengthen both fine and gross motor skills.

Break Down Skills Into Small Steps

Many children with autism respond well when tasks are broken into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of teaching a child to tie shoes all at once, start with pulling the laces tight, then move step by step toward making loops and tying knots.

Use Visual Supports and Modeling

Visual schedules, picture guides, and demonstrations can make new motor tasks less overwhelming. Children often learn best by watching a skill in action and then imitating it.

Collaborate Across Therapies

Occupational therapy often focuses heavily on motor skills, and as an ABA therapist, I collaborate closely with OTs to ensure consistency across settings. Together, we create strategies that support both learning and independence.

At Blossom ABA Therapy, we take a personalized approach to helping children build independence. Whether a child is working on self-care routines, handwriting, or playground skills, we use evidence-based ABA strategies tailored to their needs.

We proudly serve families across Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. Our programs include home-based ABA, center-based ABA, and school-based ABA.

If your child is struggling with motor skills, we’re here to help. Reach out today to see how we can support your family.

FAQs

Are motor delays always present in autism?

Not always. Some children develop motor skills on track, while others may experience delays in fine or gross motor areas.

What therapies help with motor skills in autism?

Occupational therapy and ABA therapy often work together to support skill-building through structured practice and daily routines.

Can motor skills improve over time?

Yes. With consistent support, practice, and encouragement, children with autism can make strong progress in motor skills.