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Motor Planning Challenges and Speech

  • Writer: Ari Griffin
    Ari Griffin
  • Apr 30
  • 2 min read

Some children may have difficulties with motor planning when it comes to speech, or controlling their body’s movements! You might hear “jargon” or babbling from your child and don't understand what they’re saying. This could be due to a few reasons…


  1. Your child is still developing speech sounds, so their scripts or gestalts might not sound very clear. 

  2. They might be “fast forwarding” to the main event- this means they might only want to emphasize or communicate certain words in a long sentence. 

  3. Maybe this message isn’t meant for you. Your child might be producing language as a means of self-regulation or self-stimulation. 


What about motor challenges related to body movements?


Do you feel like your child just “can’t stop” moving or needs a lot of support following directions? As children are growing in their speech and language skills, they may also still be growing in their motor planning skills. This means that their brain is still learning how to communicate with their body. Our brain communicates with our body to help with things like…

  • Facial expressions

  • Coordinating movements for play time

  • Activities of daily living (e.g. getting dressed, mealtimes, etc.)

  • Following directions

  • Starting and ending motor movements 


A child might appear like they aren’t following directions or have little interest in what you’re doing…but it goes much deeper! Their brain is still learning how to communicate with their body. 


Here's how can we support children who have motor planning challenges! 


  1. Help your child remain regulated. If a child is regulated, this means their brain is ready to take in the information they need for a certain task or activity. 

  2. Incorporate your child’s sensory needs. Your child might need extra sensory input through sound, touch, or big body movements. Try playing their favorite song, giving them a fidget toy, or doing silly jumps together! 

  3. Take it one step at a time. Limit directions to short and simple tasks so their brain can keep up with their body. 








Resources

Information from Motor Planning presentation by Kathryn Arnold, MCD, CCC-SLP of Meaningful Speech 

Blanc, M. (2012). Natural Language Acquisition on the Autism Spectrum: The Journey from Echolalia to Self-

Generated Language. Madison, WI: Communication Development Center Inc.

Blanc, M. (2004). “When Speech Gets Stuck,” Autism Asperger’s Digest, Sept/Oct.

Blanc, M. (2006). “Finding the Words: When It’s Hard to Find Your Voice”, Autism Asperger’s Digest

https://pammarshalla.com/ - Vowel Production

Kranowitz, Carol Stock. (2005). The out-of-sync child : recognizing and coping with sensory processing disorder.

New York :A Skylight Press Book/A Perigee Book


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