The Power of Purposeful Motor

Many on the spectrum can climb on furniture or to get something in a high cabinet. But purposeful motor is another story!

Not all movement is automatic. For many autistic individuals, especially those with whole body apraxia, initiating and coordinating movement takes conscious effort. This can affect speech, handwriting, gestures, and even everyday actions like pointing, brushing teeth, or responding quickly to a request.

What’s important to understand is: Motor ability does not reflect intelligence.

A person may understand everything being said, yet struggle to make their body respond the way they intend.

You may notice unique combinations of strengths and challenges. Someone might climb effortlessly, balance like an athlete, or show incredible flexibility — yet struggle with tasks like typing, retrieving a practiced motion, or controlling fine motor movements. This contrast is part of motor planning differences, not inconsistency or lack of motivation.

Supporting purposeful motor means recognizing the effort behind every action. Tools like letterboards, alternative communication systems, regulated pacing, and respectful patience can make communication possible—sometimes for the very first time. And all of these are purposeful motor activities. And all can be supported by additional intentional motor activities such as some of these exercises: https://www.spellers.com/workout-videos

It also can be helpful to work with Occupation Therapist who understand apraxia and purposeful motor planning, like the amazing OT that we work with in Brevard - https://www.focusforwardtherapy.com/

Learn More:

• International Association for Spelling as Communication: i-asc.org

• Supporting Regulation and Purposeful Motor - https://i-asc.org/supporting-regulation-and-purposeful-motor/

• Motor and the Art of Anxiety Regulation - https://i-asc.org/motor-and-the-art-of-anxiety-regulation/

• Autism Isn't What You Think - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QIHJPW5YQA