As of 2020, the prevalence of ASD in the United States was estimated to be 1 in 36 among 8-year-old children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Maenner et al., 2020). This rising prevalence underscores the urgent need to broaden our understanding and support systems for those diagnosed with ASD. While much of the research and intervention has historically focused on the behavioral and communicative aspects of autism, motor development presents a vital, yet under-addressed, component of a holistic developmental approach.
Motor skill development—ranging from gross movements like crawling and walking to fine motor activities like writing and manipulating small objects—is a fundamental aspect of childhood growth. In typically developing children, these motor milestones are reached within expected timeframes and serve as foundations for independence, communication, and social interaction. In contrast, children with ASD often experience delays or disruptions in their motor development.
Research has shown that motor differences are observable even in infancy among those later diagnosed with ASD. These early signs include delayed or atypical development in posture, balance, coordination, and fine motor skills (Miller et al., 2023). Furthermore, a significant body of evidence indicates a high co-occurrence between ASD and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)—a condition that affects motor skill acquisition and coordination. As much as 79% of children with ASD may also meet the criteria for DCD, with an additional 10% displaying subclinical symptoms (Harrison et al., 2021).
Despite the high prevalence of motor challenges in individuals with ASD, studies have found that these deficits are under-documented in clinical settings. Shockingly, motor impairments are only formally noted in about 1% of ASD cases (Miller et al., 2023). This gap in documentation has serious implications for early intervention, diagnosis, and the design of comprehensive support strategies.
While motor skills are crucial for achieving physical milestones, their importance goes far deeper—especially in individuals with ASD. Emerging research suggests that motor development plays a foundational role in the development of executive functions, which are the higher-order cognitive processes responsible for self-regulation, problem-solving, and adaptive behavior.
Executive functions include three key capabilities: inhibition (the ability to control impulses), working memory (the capacity to hold and manipulate information), and cognitive flexibility (the ability to adapt to changing tasks or perspectives) (Hatoum, 2023). These functions are not only vital for daily functioning, but they also intersect directly with the core challenges faced by individuals with ASD. Difficulties in shifting attention, managing frustration, or inhibiting repetitive behaviors are all closely tied to executive function deficits.
Motor coordination and executive functions are considered “functionally intertwined” (Stuhr et al., 2020). That is, when a child develops refined motor skills, they are not just becoming more agile; they are also exercising their brain in ways that support attention, planning, and flexibility. Thus, interventions aimed at improving motor development may offer a twofold benefit: enhancing physical capabilities and strengthening the cognitive underpinnings that support more complex behaviors and social interactions.
Given the clear and well-documented motor difficulties in children with ASD, and the strong connection between motor skills and executive function, it is both surprising and concerning that motor development remains a largely under-addressed area in clinical practice. This gap calls for increased attention from clinicians, educators, and researchers.
To truly support the diverse needs of children and adolescents with ASD, motor development must be acknowledged as a core component of individualized care and intervention. Evidence-based programs that target motor coordination, balance, and fine motor skills are not just supplementary—they are essential. These programs may also have the potential to improve executive function skills, thereby positively impacting behavioral regulation, learning, and social engagement.
Current studies, including those by Bradshaw et al. (2022) and Hodges et al. (2020), emphasize the need to move beyond viewing motor issues as peripheral to the “main” symptoms of autism. Instead, they should be seen as interconnected threads within the developmental tapestry of each individual with ASD. In many cases, enhancing motor skills may be a gateway to unlocking greater autonomy, improved social skills, and better quality of life.
Autism is a complex and deeply individualized condition, influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. As such, it demands a multifaceted approach to diagnosis and intervention. While great strides have been made in understanding and supporting communication and sensory needs, the domain of motor development is still catching up.
Recognizing and addressing motor difficulties in ASD is not just about helping a child run faster or write neater—it’s about supporting their whole development. It’s about enabling them to interact more effectively with their environment, to build confidence, and to navigate the world with greater ease.
As we continue to deepen our understanding of autism, integrating motor development into our framework is not only supported by science—it’s essential for delivering the kind of comprehensive, compassionate care that individuals with ASD deserve. By acknowledging and acting on the significance of motor challenges, we can move closer to providing truly inclusive and effective support for those on the autism spectrum.
At Brain Balance, we empower individuals with Autism differently through a personalized, drug-free, and holistic approach that supports emotional, social, and behavioral development. Our program combines sensory-motor training, cognitive exercises, and nutritional guidance to target the root causes of daily struggles. We begin with a comprehensive assessment to identify areas of the brain that need strengthening, and then create a customized plan to help restore balance and improve overall functioning.
Research on the Brain Balance program has consistently demonstrated significant improvements in key developmental areas, including maturing reflexes, balance, coordination, rhythm and timing, fine motor skills, and eye gaze control.1, 2 In addition, studies show gains in higher-level brain functions such as attention, inhibitory control, and cognition.3,4 These outcomes highlight the powerful connection between motor development and cognitive growth and underscore the importance of an integrated approach for individuals with ASD.
Every child deserves the chance to thrive.
If your child is struggling with motor skills, behavior, or attention, Brain Balance is here to help. Let’s create a personalized plan that works.