How does motor development influence play in children with Autism?

PostedDecember 15, 2025

UpdatedDecember 15, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The relationship between motor development and play in autism is significant. Motor skills provide the foundational abilities to interact with toys, manipulate objects and move through play spaces. When gross or fine motor development is delayed or atypical, the child’s play can look quite different from typical patterns, not because they don’t want to play, but because their body and coordination present barriers or shape preferences.

Children with motor challenges may rely more on play that requires less movement or precision. Over time, their play styles adapt to what their motor system can support, influencing both enjoyment and growth.

Ways motor skills shape play

Motor development and play in autism often connect to fine and gross motor skills, as motor control, whether in holding, grasping, reaching, or moving, can directly limit or enable certain play interactions.

Limited object manipulation

Children with weaker fine motor skills may find it hard to pick up small pieces, stack blocks or manipulate intricate toys. That restricts play to broad, simple shapes or big pieces.

Reduced movement-based play

If gross motor skills are less developed, activities like running, climbing, jumping or pushing large toys may be less frequent. Play may stay more static or focus on seated interaction.

Preference for stable, predictable play

Given motor uncertainty, many children choose play that feels safer: lining up, spinning wheels, pushing large objects rather than tossing or catching.

Delayed transitions between play modes

Because children may struggle to shift physically from one activity to another, their play sessions may stay in the same position or activity for longer. Movement-based transitions are harder.

By understanding how motor development and play in autism influence each other, caregivers and therapists can tailor play environments, tools or supports, offering manipulatives that match motor ability, promoting strength, and scaffolding movement gradually into play.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for assessments of motor‑play alignment and strategies to support more active, engaging play.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Unusual Play Patterns.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.