Gross Motor Skill Development for Children on the Autism Spectrum | Episode 15
Episode 15: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman
Gross Motor Skill Development for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children between the ages of 2–4 years old are in the Sprout Stage, while parents and caregivers are in the Explorer Phase.
During the Explorer Phase, the role of the parent or caregiver is to discover who their child is as an individual by observing their interests, preferences, strengths, sensitivities, communication style, and unique way of engaging with the world.
In Episode 15, we discuss gross motor skill development for children on the autism spectrum and how the observations I made during my Explorer Phase influenced the physical activities I chose to support my son’s development.
Long before his autism diagnosis, I noticed that some of his large body movements were developing differently.
Those observations led me to intentionally introduce activities such as gymnastics, swimming, horseback riding, skiing, dance, scootering, parkour, and track.
Together with occupational therapy, these experiences helped develop his gross motor skills, body awareness, coordination, muscle tone, and confidence.
Throughout every stage of his development, physical activity remained an intentional part of his curriculum.
Today, as an Oak Tree, that same developmental thread continues.
My son now works with specialized coaches to strengthen the movement, coordination, endurance, and body awareness needed to perform as a member of his university marching band.
The activities have changed.
The intentionality has not.
Through the lens of the Village Engagement Matrix™, this episode illustrates how understanding a child’s individual developmental needs during the Explorer Phase allows parents and caregivers to intentionally create opportunities that continue supporting growth well into adulthood.
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