Motor difficulties in autism, explained

BY LAUREN SCHENKMAN

Most of my life from a early age I had problems with my hand righting and often got my hands slapped in school with a ruler.   Followed me all my life.   My eye hand coordination was always off and one of the reasons I stayed away from sports.  I also had anxiety for getting feedback from my parents about my walking .  On one of my jobs I was criticized for the way I walked.  In the employers mind I showed no sense of urgency.     Yet I did get things done.   – Greg

Most autistic people — 87 percent, according to the latest estimate — have some sort of motor difficulty, ranging from an atypical gait to problems with handwriting1. These issues are distinct from the repetitive behaviors considered to be a hallmark of autism. And yet, despite their prevalence, motor problems are not considered a core trait of autism, because they also occur with other conditions, such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

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