.png)
Children with autism often have accompanying disorders that significantly affect their motor and language development. One of these often overlooked disorders is dyspraxia - a developmental disorder of movement and coordination. Particularly significant is verbal developmental dyspraxia (VED), a neurological disorder that makes it difficult to plan and coordinate speech motor skills. But how are autism and dyspraxia related? What early signs should alert parents? And what targeted support measures are crucial?
Frequency of co-occurrence of autism and dyspraxia
International research shows that out of 10,000 children, around 63 are affected by a pervasive developmental disorder, with 17 of these being diagnosed with autism. The Dyspraxia Foundation UK estimates that around 10% of people with dyspraxia also have autism. These figures show that the co-occurrence of autism and dyspraxia is not uncommon.
Autism (ASD) is often associated with differences in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing mechanisms typically found in areas such as the social cortex and premotor areas of the brain. Dyspraxia (also called developmental coordination disorder) primarily affects motor skills and is often associated with inefficient connectivity between the areas of the brain responsible for planning and executing movements, such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia.
In practice, however, there is overlap, as both autism and dyspraxia can involve neurological differences that result in impaired movement and/or social skills. Sometimes autism is associated with motor coordination problems such as those found in dyspraxia.
Current study situation: How often does the combination occur?
Research shows that a significant proportion of autistic children also exhibit symptoms of dyspraxia or VED. The study by Mostofsky et al. (2022, Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA) shows that up to 87% of autistic children have motor coordination problems consistent with dyspraxic patterns. Another study from the University of California (Wilson et al., 2023) found that about 60% of autistic children also show signs of verbal dyspraxia, especially in early childhood.
The University of Heidelberg is also working on this connection. Ongoing research is investigating how dyspraxia and autism are neurologically connected and which therapeutic approaches show the best results.
What does this mean in early childhood?
Children with autism and/or dyspraxia often show abnormalities at an early age, but these are often misinterpreted as "normal developmental delays". While children with autism often have difficulties in social interaction and communication, children with dyspraxia often show motor coordination problems. In combination, these disorders can lead to significant limitations in the child's everyday life.
Early detection: When should parents pay attention?
Many parents intuitively notice that "something is wrong," but it is often difficult to identify exactly what the problem is. Signs that may indicate a combination of autism and dyspraxia:
Language abnormalities : The child speaks only a few words or has great difficulty in producing sounds correctly (e.g. very slurred or unclear speech).
Delayed or unusual motor development : problems with grasping, crawling, walking, or general body coordination.
Unusual vocalizations : The child shows frequent searching movements of the mouth or appears strained when speaking.
Difficulties with everyday activities : problems getting dressed, eating with cutlery, climbing or riding a bike.
Lack of imitation : Babies and toddlers with dyspraxia and autism often show less imitative behavior – an important part of early language acquisition.
High frustration tolerance or withdrawal : Children with VED or dyspraxia often appear quiet and withdrawn because they have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or motorically.
In case of autism: the child does not go to the morning circle at the daycare center!
Urgent need for action: Why a visit to the pediatrician or SPZ is so important
If parents notice such abnormalities, early diagnosis is crucial. The first step is to see a pediatrician , who can refer the child to a social pediatric center (SPZ) or a specialized child and adolescent psychiatrist . A comprehensive diagnosis is particularly important, as many autistic children are not recognized as dyspraxic for a long time.
Important therapeutic approaches
speech therapy and language support
Ko-Art and Vedit : These special speech therapy approaches are effective when it comes to supporting the motor planning of language in children with dyspraxia and VED . They focus on improving sound and word production through targeted exercises. However, they are only really effective when they are used in a targeted manner and adapted to the individual child.
Special features of autism and receptive repetition : Children with autism often have difficulties with receptive imitation , which means that exercises that require repeating sounds or words are often unsuccessful. Therefore, speech therapy approaches based on imitation and repetition should be adapted or supplemented by alternative methods.
Oral motor exercises for VED : Children with VED need specific exercises to strengthen tongue and lip coordination , such as blowing exercises (blowing soap bubbles, blowing through a straw) and targeted chewing gum and sucking techniques to train the muscles in the mouth area.
Castillo Morales : This method is often used in conjunction with blowing exercises such as blowing soap bubbles or blowing through a straw to specifically strengthen and coordinate the muscles in the mouth area . These exercises not only support lip and tongue coordination, but also general mouth motor skills and breathing control , which are important for clear speech.
Sensory integration therapy and occupational therapy
Sensory integration therapy helps children with dyspraxia and autism to better process sensory stimuli. It helps to promote body awareness and coordination.
Exercises on unstable surfaces (e.g. wobble boards) promote balance.
Climbing on low climbing walls or crawling tunnels strengthens muscle coordination.
“Heavy work” activities such as pulling, pushing or carrying small weights help regulate depth perception.
psychotherapy for resource development
Psychotherapy is crucial for developing resources and strengthening emotional and social skills . In this therapy, children learn to recognize their inner strengths and to promote their self-perception and self-confidence.
It provides a safe space in which children can overcome their emotional challenges and develop positive coping strategies .
Physiotherapy to promote gross motor skills
Specialized physiotherapy exercises support the development of basic movement sequences and improve gross motor skills .
Climbing exercises and cycling with training wheels promote balance and coordination.
Movement games with music or rhymes help to better plan and execute motor sequences.
How parents can support:
Structured daily routine
Children with dyspraxia and autism benefit from clearly structured processes and routines:
Step-by-step instructions : For example, explaining how to get dressed visually and verbally in small, individual steps.
Visual support for routines : Picture cards or small instructions help to better understand and carry out everyday tasks.
Prepare transitions well : Plan time for transitions and announce changes in good time.
Supported communication to bridge language barriers
In cases of severe language barriers, alternative communication methods are necessary:
Sign-supported communication (SSC) or simple hand signals for communication.
Symbol cards or electronic communication aids , such as talker devices , can also help overcome language barriers.
Parent coaching and specialized therapy services
Parents should seek information about specialized therapy approaches early on, as conventional therapies are not always aimed at dyspraxia or VED in connection with autism:
Consult specialists in neuropediatrics or child and adolescent psychiatry for a well-founded diagnosis.
Visit therapy centers specializing in VED, dyspraxia and autism.
Take advantage of parent training for supported communication and motor development.
Conclusion
The close connection between autism , dyspraxia and VED requires targeted, early support. Since these challenges are often not adequately addressed in conventional therapies, it is important to use individual and specialized treatment methods. With the right support and early, multimodal support, affected children can make significant progress in their language and motor development and further expand their emotional and social skills.
Do you need more information about autism? Here
Komentarai