Advice for developing gross motor skills in neurodiverse children
Neurodiverse simply means the brain works and processes information differently from what is considered ‘typical’. It is not an illness or disease; rather, the ‘label’ recognises that everyone’s brains are different, and our brains affect how we experience the world around us and how we react to it.
Neurodiverse children may experience sensations differently, and discomfort during walking or physical activity may be difficult for them to recognise, describe, or locate. As a result, pain, fatigue, or sensory discomfort may be expressed through changes in behaviour, movement, or participation rather than words.
We hope this leaflet provides some information and advice to help you and your child understand how mobility can be affected by neurodiversity, and helps you with some activities to work on to develop movement skills.
How does neurodiversity affect physical skills?
Autism and similar neurodivergent conditions impact how the brain processes information. Common features that affect physical skills include:
- Sensory processing: Heightened or reduced sensitivity to lights, sounds, smells, tastes, or touch.
- Repetitive behaviours: Engaging in repetitive physical movements or vocal sounds (often called ‘stimming’).
- Walking on toes: Distinct walking patterns including toe-walking and wider, slower strides.These variations are linked to differences in how the brain develops and processes sensory information.
When to seek intervention
Not all walking differences require correction. Support is typically recommended if the walking pattern:
- Causes physical pain, tightness or frequent tripping.
- Restricts the person’s ability to participate in physical activities or enjoy daily life.
