Autism and Fine Motor Skills – Tips by an Occupational Therapist

Developing Fine Motor Skills: Tips from an Occupational Therapist

Learn about practical ideas for play and learning, self care and developing pencil skills for Autistic children and other developmental delays. 

Tips and advice by Occupational Therapist Catherine Williams.

"Cath was an expert in her field and provided lots of useful information in a relatable manner."
Parent Feedback

This presentation covers:

00:00 – 2:04:  Introduction

2:05 – 5:46 : How fine motor skills typically develop

5:47 – 10:02: Sensory development

10:03 – 15:07: Release skills and learning about the world

15:08 – 18:25: Developing grasp skills

18:26 – 21:03: Separation of hand arches and stability

21:04 – 23:25: Fine motor progression in play

23:26 – 26:13: Developing dominance and coordination 

26:14 – 28:37: In-hand manipulation and squirrelling

28:38 – 31:00: – A word about thumbs

31:01 – 1:18:56: Tips and ideas 

  • 33:44 – 35:39: Tips and ideas – Alternate positions for activities

  • 35:40 – 37:35: Tips and ideas – Use big movements first

  • 37:36 – 38:49: Tips and ideas – Refining grasp and finger isolation

  • 38:50 – 42:07: Tips and ideas – grasp strengthening

  • 42:08 – 47:14: Tips and ideas – Using tools

  • 47:15 – 50:21: Tips and ideas – Developing use of both hands

  • 50:22 – 55:51: Tips and ideas – Pencil skills 

  • 55:52 – 57:25: Tips and ideas: Developing pencil grip

  • 57:26 – 1:00:40: Pencil skills continued

  • 1:00:41 – 1:04:49: Tips and ideas – Scissor skills

  • 1:04:50 – 1:06:19: Using scissors continued

  • 1:06:20 – 1:09:45: Tips and ideas – Sensory coping with texture

  • 1:09:46 – 1:12:16: Tips and ideas – Fine motor and food activities

  • 1:12:17 – 1:14:28: Tips and ideas – Feeding and eating at the table

  • 1:14:29 – 1:16:41: Tips and ideas – Using cutlery

  • 1:16:42 – 1:18:56: Tips and ideas – Self care and household

1:18:57 – End: Discussion

Download a copy of the presentation here.

Catherine Williams

Catherine Williams is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with specialisms in supporting children and young people who have neurological differences, including Cerebral Palsy, ASD, DCD/Dyspraxia and Brain Injury. She is passionate about enabling youngsters to participate in meaningful ways within their family, school or college and in their wider community. Cath is based in Wiltshire and has a private practice. Contact Catherine: catherine@handsup.org 07793 749007

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