Neuroplasticity & Motor Learning in OT

By Jessica Jordan, MS. OTR/L

What Does “Fire Together, Wire Together” Really Mean?

Have you ever noticed how something that once felt hard—like riding a bike or tying a shoe—can eventually become second nature? You don’t have to think about every little step. Your body just… remembers. That’s thanks to a powerful concept in brain science often summed up in one phrase: “neurons that fire together, wire together.”

It’s a catchy way of describing neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to grow, change, and form new connections based on what you practice or repeat. And it's one of the core ideas that guides how we do therapy with the kids and families we serve.

Breaking Down the Brain Science

The full version of this concept comes from the Hebbian theory, which suggests that when two neurons are activated at the same time, they create a stronger connection over time. The more they “fire together,” the more likely they are to “wire together” into a lasting pathway in the brain.

That’s what turns an unfamiliar movement into a habit. It’s what allows a child to build a new skill—not because we told them to do it perfectly, but because their brain and body practiced it with intention.

Why It Matters in Occupational Therapy

In OT, we don’t just focus on mastering tasks—we focus on intentional movement and helping the brain learn how to organize those movements more effectively over time.

That’s called motor learning, and it’s defined as “a set of processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent changes in the capability for movement” (Schmidt & Lee, 2005).

It means our goal isn’t perfection. Our goal is connection—between the brain and the body, between intention and action, between what a child wants to do and what their body is able to carry out.

Sometimes, that also means unlearning patterns that have become too easy for the brain to fall into. Movements or behaviors that repeat—like impulsive grabbing, shouting, or scripting—can also become “wired in” when they’re activated again and again, even unintentionally.

Supporting Intentional Motor Through Neurotiming

One of the tools we love for building new motor pathways is the Interactive Metronome (IM). IM works on a concept called Neurotiming, which is the brain’s ability to coordinate timing between different regions and systems.

It’s basically a rhythm-based exercise that uses visual and auditory cues to help a child match, repeat, and strengthen brain-body coordination. It’s playful, focused, and powerful when used as part of an intentional motor plan.

What This Means For You

Your child’s brain is capable of incredible change. When we introduce new movements, practice with meaning, and stay consistent, we can help build stronger, more organized brain pathways.

Whether it’s learning to sit upright, grasp a pencil, or express a thought, it all comes back to practice that’s rooted in connection—not compliance.

That’s why intentional motor work is one of our foundations here at SUNRISE. It’s baked into everything we do—from obstacle courses to coloring pages—because we know that movement is communication, and the brain is always listening.

If this idea sparked curiosity, ask one of our OTs about how we integrate intentional motor into therapy—and how it might support your child, too.

Or explore our online course for parents of autistic children with apraxia and motor challenges—it’s packed with tools and insight on how to support your child’s movement and communication from the inside out.

Helpful Links

Was this post helpful or did it spark your curiosity? If you’re looking for deeper support, we’ve created a course and curated resources to help families, caregivers, and professionals better understand the motor and regulation challenges many nonspeaking and apraxic autistic individuals experience.

Online Course for Parents, Caregivers & Professionals:

Foundations in Apraxic Autism — an online course exploring the often-missed motor side of autism. Learn how motor planning, nervous system regulation, and the brain-body connection impact communication and daily life, along with practical ways to support the autistic individual in your life.

Explore Our Resource & Service Hub:

Explore our most trusted resources and favorite tools, or discover ongoing support options for families and professionals navigating autism, apraxia, and motor planning differences.Occupational Therapy (San Diego & Long Beach Areas) | Virtual Coaching

You might also like…