Sage-Tips

Is clumsiness a symptom of autism?

You’re right that clumsiness is a common symptom of autism. But there are ways to help. From what you describe, it’s possible that your son is struggling with dyspraxia.

Do kids with autism have bad balance?

Children with autism not only have limited social and communicative skills but also have motor abnormalities, such as poor timing and coordination of balance. Moreover, impaired gross motor skills hamper participation with peers.

Is clumsiness a symptom of Asperger’s?

Since earliest descriptions of Asperger’s syndrome, individuals with the disorder have been observed to exhibit poor motor skills and clumsiness.

Does autism affect physical ability?

Skill-related fitness Many individuals with autism have lower fitness skills compared to other people. These skills include balance, body coordination, visual-motor control and other mobility skills.

What are the signs of being autistic?

Common signs of autism

• Avoiding eye contact.
• Delayed speech and communication skills.
• Reliance on rules and routines.
• Being upset by relatively minor changes.
• Unexpected reactions to sounds, tastes, sights, touch and smells.
• Difficulty understanding other people’s emotions.

What is motor clumsiness?

Abstract. Some children, who are otherwise normal, experience unusual difficulties with the acquisition and performance of motor skills. These children are commonly described as being clumsy. Impaired performance of motor skills, to the degree experienced by clumsy children, is unlikely to present a serious problem.

Does autism affect hand eye coordination?

Common sensorimotor features associated with autism can include sensory overload and impaired hand-eye coordination but also general clumsiness.

What are the emotional impacts of autism?

Emotions and autistic children Autistic children often find it hard to: recognise emotions, facial expressions and other emotional cues like tone of voice and body language. show and manage their own emotions. understand and respond to other people’s emotions – they might lack, or seem to lack, empathy with others.

What barriers do autistic children face?

Anxiety

• social phobia.
• excessive worry/rumination.
• obsessive compulsive behaviour.
• hyper-vigilance, or seeming “shell shocked”
• phobias.
• avoidance behaviours.
• rigid routines and resistance to change.
• stimming and/or self-injurious behaviour.