The Science Behind Dyspraxia & Motor Planning

The Science Behind Dyspraxia & Motor Planning — Educational Infographic (Printable, A2)

You will receive the printable unwatermarked version of this infographic

A comprehensive, research-grounded visual explaining why full-body coordination, spatial awareness, and motor execution take extra brain power for some people.

This infographic covers:

• Anatomical pathway: premotor/prefrontal planning, parietal spatial mapping, vestibular balance, cerebellum timing & coordination, proprioception body position, motor output to muscles
• What's happening: the person may know what they want to do, but turning that idea into organised action takes extra effort — this affects posture, balance, dressing, handwriting, speech movements, and everyday routines
• The signal pathway: idea/goal forms → brain plans the movement → body map and spatial information are checked → balance and body-position signals are integrated → motor commands are sent to muscles → feedback is monitored and adjusted
• What dyspraxia is not: not laziness, not low intelligence, not deliberate non-compliance
• What it can look like: bumping into things, difficulty copying actions, messy handwriting, seeming clumsy or effortful, needing extra time, fatigue after tasks that look simple
• Why it gets misread: others may assume laziness or "not trying"; pressure and rushing usually make performance worse, not better
• What actually helps: break tasks into smaller steps, model first with visual demonstration, allow extra processing time, reduce pressure and verbal instructions, use repetition and predictable routines, focus on success and confidence not shame
• Grounded in peer-reviewed research (Dziuk et al. 2007; Adams et al. 2014; Miller et al. 2014; Gill et al. 2022; Subara-Zukic et al. 2022; Gao et al. 2024)

What you get:

• High-resolution PDF, print-ready and scalable up to A2 (420 × 594mm)
• Instant digital download

Perfect for: SEND and OT training, therapy rooms, staff CPD, parent carer forums, and personal understanding.

For personal, classroom, and professional educational use. Not for resale or redistribution.

© Nonspeaking Autism

Disclaimer:

This resource is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is designed to support understanding of autism, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and behaviour from a neurodevelopmental perspective.

The information provided is not medical, psychological, therapeutic, or legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for assessment, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

Every autistic person is unique. Strategies and supports should always be tailored to the individual's needs, strengths, and circumstances.

If a child displays a sudden change in behaviour, severe distress, signs of illness, injury, or behaviours that place themselves or others at risk, seek appropriate medical advice or emergency assistance where necessary.

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and reflects current understanding, knowledge in autism and neuroscience continues to evolve.

This resource is for the purchaser's personal, educational, or professional use only. It may not be copied, redistributed, resold, edited, shared publicly, or reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

© Nonspeaking Autism 💙