One Motor Framework.
Two Paths.
Choose Your Path: Regulation or Performance
One Motor Framework.
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TUNED MOTOR DEVELOPMENT™
One Framework. Multiple Pathways.
Tuned Motor Development™, developed by The Motor Development Co. in Aurora, Ohio, is a performance-based approach helping individuals build regulated, functional, and independent lives.
Through structured apraxia progressions, TMD builds motor control, regulation, and consistent performance based on individual needs.
TMD supports nonspeaking individuals in developing reliable communication through Spelling to Communicate (S2C) and other AAC methods. For others, it includes Precision Performance Training (PPT) to refine motor sequencing, improve efficiency, reduce injury, and build high-level athletic performance.
At every level, the focus remains the same: strengthening the connection between intention and execution.
As motor skills improve through consistent, intentional practice, individuals gain greater independence, autonomy, and meaningful participation in daily life.
About
MoDev8 is dedicated to unlocking communication and performance for individuals with apraxia and motor challenges. We exist to strengthen the connection between intention and execution—helping individuals move, communicate, and perform with greater consistency, confidence, and independence.
We are creating a paradigm shift: moving beyond limitations and recognizing that many barriers are not cognitive, but motor-based. When the body cannot reliably carry out what the brain intends, expression is disrupted. Through structured motor development and performance-based coaching, we build the pathways that allow individuals to access their full potential.
MoDev8 bridges a critical gap in support—providing specialized coaching, proven methodologies, and a belief-driven environment where individuals are equipped to succeed.
BEGIN YOUR COMMUNICATION JOURNEY TODAY!
VISION STATEMENT
At MoDev8, our vision is to redefine human potential by unlocking the connection between the brain and body.
We envision a world where individuals of all motor profiles—nonspeaking, motor-impaired, or performance-driven—are equipped to communicate, move, and perform with confidence, consistency, and purpose. Through structured motor development and belief-driven coaching, we aim to create pathways for independence, expression, and full participation in life.
Our mission is to develop and refine purposeful motor skills through individualized, performance-based training. Using the Tuned Motor Development (TMD) framework, we guide individuals through structured motor sequencing, regulation, and progression—supporting everything from communication to peak physical performance.
We integrate modalities such as Spelling to Communicate (S2C) with strategically coached motor sessions to strengthen the connection between intention and execution. Through expert coaching, proven methodologies, and a community grounded in belief and accountability, we empower individuals and their support systems to achieve measurable progress, greater independence, and lasting success in everyday life.
Team
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY!
Non-Speaking does not mean Non-Thinking!
We have come to learn that speech is motor not cognitive!
Katy Custer
Founder, The Motor Development Co & Modev8
Isabelle Custer
Co-Founder/Practitioner
Freedom of Speechless
What is Apraxia?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions commonly asked when talking about Tuned Motor Development (TMD)
What is Spelling to Communicate?
S2C stands for Spelling to Communicate. S2C teaches individuals with motor challenges the purposeful motor skills necessary to point to letters on an alphabet letter board as an alternative means of communication for nonspeaking individuals and those who have limited or repetitive speech. Better known as minimally or unreliably speaking.
What is Presuming Competence?
Before you ever pick up a letterboard, Presuming Competence is the first belief that must be practiced. We know that the body's actions do not indicate the brain's intention. We expect that each individual CAN and WILL! We know each individual WANTS to learn to communicate and gain intentional movement over their body and they WILL!
What is the Brain to Body Disconnect?
Apraxia is a neurological condition that affects the motor cortex of the brain. The brain is unable to make and deliver correct movement instructions to the body. The brain is telling the body what to do and the body cannot carry out the plan.
Nonspeaking or Nonverbal?
Apraxia of speech is characterized by speech production errors such as sound distortions and distorted sound substitutions. People with apraxia of speech are cognitively able to produce words and sentences. Language comprehension is not affected. The word verbal means “of or relating to facility in the use and comprehension of words' '. The word speaking is “the action of conveying information or expressing one's thoughts and feelings in spoken language. Nonverbal means “without words or language”. Non Speaking means “without speech”. Individuals with apraxia do formulate language but are not able to speak. Using the term nonspeaking tells about the individual not being able to produce speech; rather than using the term nonverbal and inferring an individual who cannot speak cannot produce language or thought and implying that cognitive function is affected. Nonspeaking is a more accurate and respectful term.
ABA Therapy or Tuned Motor Development™
Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy (ABA) is often described as a scientific, evidence-based approach used to help individuals with apraxia learn and develop skills by modeling desired behaviors and reinforcing imitation through rewards. However, when working with individuals who cannot reliably communicate, important questions arise: How do we truly know what motivates them? And how can we accurately define actions as behavior when motor output itself may be inconsistent or impaired?
Tuned Motor Development (TMD) offers a different approach.
TMD focuses on developing regulated, organized motor function by building praxis through the strengthening and myelination of neural pathways. By targeting functional movement, ocular control, and the foundational motor patterns required for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), TMD works to create synchrony between the brain and the body—progressing toward greater independence and autonomy.
Rather than telling an individual what to do, TMD focuses on how to do it.
Through structured coaching, the body is guided to move with intention and consistency, supporting the development of initiation, inhibition, and motor sequencing. As these motor pathways strengthen, both gross and fine motor skills improve, resulting in a more reliable connection between thought and action.
Over time, this strengthened brain–body connection finding core foundations which reduces the need for external prompting and modeling—allowing communication and performance to emerge with greater independence and accuracy.
Is my child too old or too young to spell?
We are always working toward building praxis through Purposeful Motor Skills from pre-k and beyond. Nobody is too young or too old to improve their motor function.
Who Can Spell to Communicate?
Anyone can Spell to Communicate. Spelling requires the ability to sit and point to letters on an alphabet letterboard. Using Spelling to Communicate hierarchy and motor coaching builds fluency and accuracy to be able to sit and point to letters on the letterboard to spell out words and thoughts.
How Can I Become a Communication Partner?
Great Question! Only a trained and certified S2C Practitioner can train a Communication Regulation Partner (CRP). A CRP in training is given direct support from our S2C Practitioners.
A CRP will learn:
- Hierarchy of lesson and letterboard use.
- Balance the motor and cognitive demand for a speller
- The importance of emotional and mental regulation needed for both you and the speller
My Child Can’t Read or Spell!
How do you know? Remember, apraxia impairs the motor. Reading and writing are motor required tasks. For years your child has been listening and watching everyone and everything. Think about everything they may have seen or heard. Radio, TV, teachers, family conversations, Youtube videos. They have so much untapped knowledge stored in their brain with no way to come out. They have seen Highway and street signs, seen words in books you have read over and over and have been able to acquire reading and spelling skills through those experiences. Learning to read and spell is simply pattern recognition. Your Child has Cracked the Code!
Many of our spellers have shared they knew how to spell and read before age 3.
Believe The Experts!
How Can I Join The Team at Modev8
We are always looking for new team members who are innovative and share our core values and passion. Contact Katy Custer for more information to Join Our Team!
What if my child can’t sit long enough to spell?
Here at MoDev8 we presume that even if your child “can’t” sit in the chair long enough to spell.. they do want to!! We use a technique called tuned motor development to help our spellers work towards more purposeful movement. In result to this technique we see spellers chair time increase, allowing more fluent communication.
Contact
We work hard to support one another and connect with each and every individual that walks through our doors.
