Most people with AS have at least some motor skill deficits. These fall into two categories:
**Gross motor coordination**: Ted's difficulty learning to dance (two left feet, no rhythm, bumping into partner). Also includes the unusual gait described in Ch 1 — deficient synchronization of leg and arm movement, spatial judgment problems.
**Fine motor difficulties**: Handwriting is a common struggle — word processing is "a true gift" for many with AS who find handwriting physically challenging.
**Motor coordination and sports**: Team sports that require coordinating with others are difficult. But individual sports (bicycle racing, swimming) can be excellent outlets where AS single-mindedness becomes an advantage.
**Timing and sequencing**: AS can affect sense of time and the ability to sequence activities with more than two steps. Practical strategies: wear a watch with a beeper, use index cards for multi-step tasks.
**Matching rhythm**: Some people with AS have superb individual rhythm (drumming) but struggle with social rhythm — matching strides while walking or catching the give-and-take of conversation. Temple Grandin: she will "probably never figure out how to fit into the rhythm of NT verbal exchanges."
**Source:** Lovett, *Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome*, Ch 5 (pp134-137)
See also: [[Sensory Processing in AS]]