Beyond words: an investigation of fine motor skills and the verbal communication spectrum in autism.

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This study shows that many autistic children—and especially those with 16p11.2 syndromes, where motor and speech differences often co‑occur—have fine motor challenges (like hand coordination and motor planning) that are closely linked to speech and language skills, helping families understand why addressing motor skills alongside speech therapy (through occupational therapy, motor‑speech approaches, and school supports) can improve overall communication, not just handwriting or coordination.