1. Motor Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Gretchen Debner & Krystal Paul

2. Review of ASD
Children on the Autism spectrum have difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors, motor coordination, posture and motor planning
Most people with autism are diagnosed between ages 2-3
Boys more likely than girls
No “cure”
Children with ASD
who are 5-7 years old

3. Typical MD for 5-7 year olds
Typically:
Fundamental motor skills are developed during this time, locomotor & object control skills emerge, rapid development in these areas can be accomplished with proper instruction
Typical patterns of motor skills:
Run
Gallop
Skip
Jump
Hop
Throw
Catch
Strike
Kick
Bounce
Interact with friends
Dance

4. MD for Children with ASD
Brain differs in way it makes connections between sensory info from environment, planning actions and controlling movements
Avoid physical activity challenges
Easily upset when make mistake or
don’t succeed on first try
Dislike sensation from body when
putting forth physical effort
(tired, sweaty, out of breath)
Poor balance
Poor use of visual information
Proprioception issues

5. How we can help
(50 sec-2:45)
Task Analysis- break down tasks
Visuals- picture schedules, social stories, task sheets
Equipment- yarn balls, light and heavy balls, parachute, swings, balls that make noise, yoga balls,balloons,etc
Encourage play
Remember Newell’s model- learner, task, environment

6. References
Hodge, S.R., Lieberman, L.J., Murata, N.M. (2012). Essentials of teaching adapted physical education. Scottsdale, AZ. Holcomb Hathaway Publishers, Inc. Rain, E. (2016). Motor skills in autistic children. Love to Know. Retrieved from hyperconnected-brain-areas-could-brain-imaging-one- day- diagnose-disorder Susan, S. (2013). Kids with autism have hyperconnected brain areas: could brain imaging one day diagnose the disorder? Medical Daily. Retrieved from brain-areas-could-brain-imaging-one-day-diagnose-disorder