From Motor Loops to Intentional Movement: A New Lens for Supporting Nonspeakers

Many nonspeaking and unreliably speaking autistic individuals know exactly what they want to do or say, but their body doesn’t reliably follow through. This mind–body disconnect is often called whole-body apraxia, and understanding it completely shifts how we support autistic people.

I often see apraxic bodies described as "unruly". This is because, autistic kids in apraxic bodies, experience bodies that are difficult to control (move with intention) and/or impulsive (say or do things that are out of their control). 

This could look like:

- A child saying one thing, when they really mean another.

- A child's body moving away from an activity, when they really want to stay and engage.

- A child knowing what they want to say or how they want to move but not being able to get the body to move on command.

These are just a few examples of how unruly, hard-to-control, apraxic bodies may present.

So how do we help these kids control their bodies?

Two of the most powerful approaches for helping apraxic bodies move with more intention are:

- motor coaching
- intentional motor movement

What Is Motor Coaching?

Motor coaching is the practice of talking the body through a movement, step-by-step, so it can learn more reliable, intentional motor patterns.

It’s based on one foundational belief: the child wants to do the action — their body just needs support.

Motor coaching isn't about forcing compliance. It's about partnering with the body to help support it to achieve what it already intends to do.

Motor coaching helps the body:

• initiate movement

• sequence steps

• build motor pathways that align with intention

What Motor Coaching Looks Like in Real Life

Here’s an example of motor coaching a child who wants to sit on a platform swing. Notice how each movement is broken into small, intentional steps:

“I think you may want to get on the swing.
Let’s talk your body through it.

First, eyes on the swing. Great.
Now take a tiny step closer… just a little… right there.

We’re going to help your body turn.
Shift your weight onto your left foot… now start turning your body to the right… slow… slow… keep turning… until the swing is just behind you.

Beautiful — your body did it.
Now feel for the swing with the back of your legs… right there, that soft touch.
That tells you you’re in the right spot.

Now soften your knees… bend a little… a little more… good.

Reach your bottom back toward the swing… back… back… lower down… and let your body sink onto the seat.

Perfect.
Feet steady on the ground… chest up… find your balance… you’ve got it.”

We are talking the body through the new movement. This approach respects autonomy, reduces overwhelm, and supports a body that needs clear, rhythmic, intentional guidance.

Motor coaching is a tool we use to support kids through intentional motor movement...

What Is Intentional Motor Movement?

Intentional motor is a broader practice that involves helping apraxic bodies build purposeful, reliable movement patterns through repeated, meaningful exercise.

Intentional motor movements may include: yoga pose, swimming, strength training movements, learning to ride a bike, etc.

The key is that the movement is purposeful, not automatic.

Many apraxic bodies default to: automatic movement loops, sensory-seeking motor patterns and over learned habits that don’t match intention.

Intentional motor helps create new, more reliable motor pathways, which can lead to more mind-body control across all areas of life ( gross motor, speech, AAC access...)

If you want a clear, grounded explanation of motor coaching and intentional motor work, I highly recommend this video from Dr. Dana Johnson (“The Autism and Apraxia Doctor”).

👉 https://youtu.be/0ijAw17LOPA?si=KtYUwU5_L8t1A1Aw

She explains:

• how intentional movement can rewire brain–body pathways

• why many autistic nonspeakers benefit from motor-first approaches

• how parents and professionals can start using these strategies today

Want to Explore More? Here Are Helpful Resources

📘 Free e-book by Dr. Dana Johnson — The Ultimate Guide to Motor Coaching

🌿 “What Is Intentional Motor?” by Sunrise Therapies
A neurodiversity-affirming overview of intentional motor and motor-based support.

💪 Motor-First Autism Therapy (Spellers Tampa)

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Thanks for being here and for caring so deeply about supporting nonspeaking autistic people with respect and curiosity.

Katja