Mind Over Motor: Understanding Sensory Motor Differences in the Autistic Population
Dana Johnson PhD, MS, OTR/L

Current research on autism and movement differences point to neurological “noise” that impacts efficient and purposeful movement in the autistic population (Torres, 2013). These differences result in a disconnect between the brain and the body making everyday tasks challenging. Research in the area of nonspeaking autistic individuals and movement differences is lacking. However, autistic advocates have contributed to a growing body of knowledge to facilitate supportive interventions for motor differences. This webinar will discuss the current research on motor differences in autism, how it applies to the nonspeaking and unreliably speaking autistic population, specific ways to support the brain and body disconnect and how to build purposeful motor skills.

• Identify the components of praxis
• Define apraxia as it applies to individuals with sensory and motor differences
• Name the four types of motor responses
• Explain the sensory motor feedback loop and the breakdown of this loop as it relates to individuals with sensory and motor differences
• Identify three ways to build purposeful motor skills