The Truth About Autism That They Don’t Teach You
When most people think about autism, they often focus on the social and behavioral aspects—communication delays, social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and sensory challenges. While these traits are undeniably a significant part of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there’s a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked: motor difficulties. For many children with autism, motor skills are a major barrier to communication, independence, and overall development. This blog will explore three important truths about autism that aren’t widely discussed but are essential for understanding how to support children with complex autism. These insights challenge common misconceptions and provide parents with practical strategies to better support their child’s needs.
Truth #1: Autism is a Neuromotor Disability
Autism is often thought of solely as a social or behavioral disorder. However, for many children on the spectrum, it’s fundamentally a neuromotor disability. Neuromotor disabilities are conditions that impact the brain’s ability to control and coordinate the movements of the body. A critical component of motor control is praxis—the ability to plan and execute purposeful movement. This includes everything from simple tasks like tying shoes to more complex activities like playing sports or writing.
For many children with autism, motor difficulties aren’t just about clumsiness. They may have what is known as whole-body apraxia, a condition where the brain sends signals to the body but the body is unable to carry out the movement. This is not simply a matter of a child being uncoordinated; it’s a fundamental breakdown in the brain-body connection. Children with whole-body apraxia struggle to get their body to do what they want it to do, even though they may have the cognitive ability to perform the task.
This neuromotor issue can be especially challenging for nonspeaking individuals or those who have difficulty regulating their impulses. What might appear as inappropriate behavior or a lack of social skills could actually be a result of motor planning difficulties. For instance, a child might appear to be ignoring a request or might seem uncooperative when asked to perform a task. In reality, the child may want to comply but simply cannot initiate or control the required movement. This is a key element of autism that many parents and professionals overlook.
What can parents do?
It’s important for parents to understand that motor difficulties are not just a “side effect” of autism—they are often central to the condition. By working with an occupational therapist (OT) who understands the link between whole-body apraxia and autism, parents can help their child develop strategies for overcoming these challenges.
Truth #2: Autism is Not a Cognitive Disability
One of the most harmful misconceptions about autism is the assumption that a lack of speech, a poor response to social cues, or subpar performance on an IQ test means that a child has an intellectual disability. In reality, many children with autism have cognitive abilities that are misunderstood due to their motor impairments.
Tests like IQ assessments often require children to perform motor tasks such as pointing, speaking, or tapping. For a child with whole-body apraxia, these motor responses may be difficult or impossible to carry out, even though they understand the task and know the answer. The cognitive abilities of a child with autism can be masked by their inability to coordinate the necessary movements.
For example, if a child is asked to “point to the square” on a test and they fail to do so or point incorrectly multiple times, they might be misjudged as having an intellectual disability. However, the reality could be that the child understands the task fully but simply cannot physically perform the requested action due to their whole-body apraxia. The inability to carry out movements can lead to inaccurate assessments of intelligence, which can further hinder the child’s educational and social opportunities.
What can parents do?
Presume competence. This means that parents should assume their child is capable of understanding and processing information, even if they struggle to communicate or perform certain tasks. It’s essential to provide children with alternative methods of communication, such as letter boards, typing, or another reliable form of communication, which allow them to express themselves. Challenging assumptions about intelligence and motor skills can be empowering for both the child and the parents. At Spellers Center Tampa, we ALWAYS presume competence in every person that visits our clinic.
Truth #3: Behavior is Not Always Communication
One of the most frequently used phrases in the autism community is “behavior is communication.” This isn’t always true. Sometimes, behavior is the result of a breakdown in the motor system due to whole-body apraxia. For children with autism and whole-body apraxia, what might appear as defiant or impulsive behavior is often an expression of dysregulation caused by the inability to initiate or control movement.
Dysregulation occurs when a child becomes overwhelmed, often entering a “fight or flight” response, which can lead to behaviors that seem impulsive or out of control. However, these behaviors may not be intentional. For example, a child may engage in repetitive behaviors or struggle to stop an action once it has begun. This is a direct result of their motor difficulties, not an intentional attempt to misbehave or challenge authority.
What can parents do?
Parents can help their child by understanding that many behavioral challenges are linked to whole-body apraxia, not defiance. By focusing on managing dysregulation and helping the child build motor skills through targeted therapy, parents can reduce the frequency and intensity of these behaviors. Instead of always viewing challenging behaviors as a form of communication, parents can work with professionals to explore underlying causes related to motor difficulties. This requires a shift in mindset from seeing the child as misbehaving to recognizing the neurodevelopmental nature of their challenges.
Practical Steps for Parents: What Can You Do Today?
Understanding these three truths about autism—autism is a neuromotor disability; autism is not a cognitive disability, and the fact that behavior is not always communication—can significantly change how you approach your child’s care and education. Here are some practical steps parents can take right now to help support their child
Shift Your Mindset
This is often the hardest step for parents. They have been told that their child isn’t “able” to do so many things and may even have an intellectual disability. It’s important to challenge the assumptions about your child’s abilities. Instead of focusing on what they can’t do, focus on what they can do. Remember, your child’s motor impairments may be the reason they are unable to perform certain tasks, not a reflection of their intelligence or willpower.
Understand the Brain-Body Disconnect
Pay attention to your child’s motor movements. Are they struggling to initiate movement? Do they get stuck or do things unrelated to your request? This could be a sign of whole-body apraxia. Understanding this disconnect can help parents avoid misinterpreting these actions as willful disobedience or defiance.
Get Curious and Ask Questions
If your child has been labeled with a cognitive disability or has been written off because of motor impairments, start questioning those assumptions. Consider seeking out professionals who understand the complexities of autism and whole-body apraxia. Research different therapies and approaches that address motor challenges head-on, such as motor coaching, sensory integration, and alternative communication methods.
Build Support Networks
Connect with other parents and professionals who understand whole-body apraxia and neuromotor disabilities. Support groups and online communities can provide valuable resources and emotional support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to specialists who have experience working with children who have complex motor challenges.
Advocate for Your Child
Be your child’s advocate in educational and therapeutic settings. Ensure that their therapies are tailored to address motor difficulties rather than just focusing on behavioral or academic skills. Work with your child’s teachers, therapists, and doctors to develop a comprehensive approach to their care that takes their neuromotor needs into account.
By recognizing these truths and adjusting your approach, you can better support your child in achieving their fullest potential. Autism is not just a social or behavioral disorder—it’s a complex neuromotor condition that requires understanding, patience, and a commitment to finding solutions that work.
Be sure to check out the Spellers Documentary to see how Spellers Method has impacted people lives.
