How Physical Therapy Can Address Pediatric Motor Issues
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a disorder that affects a child’s social communication and interaction and presents with restricted and repetitive behaviors.
Most people associate occupational and speech therapy with the treatment of autism. Recently, however, there has been a growing body of research considering the role physical therapy can play in the lives of people with autism.
If your child is living with autism and experiencing issues with motor development, give us a call today to schedule an assessment with one of our therapists.
Helping your child find natural and safe treatment
The developmental needs of children with autism can vary. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Autism has many causes; therefore, some children with autism will also have known genetic disorders, e.g., Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Autism diagnoses are also attributed to a child being born prematurely.
Common motor characteristics of children with autism include:
- Hypotonia – Seemingly “floppy” posture
- Coordination deficits – Difficulty moving body parts in an organized manner
- Stereotypies – Repetitive movements, e.g., hand flapping or body rocking
Pediatric physical therapy is often just one piece of the puzzle to helping a child on the autism spectrum. Treatment for children with autism involves multiple types of therapy, including the following:
- Sensory Integration Therapy – Many children with autism have difficulty processing sensory information (smells, touch, sight, sound, movement). Sensory integration therapy assists the child with acclimating to sensory stimulation.
- Speech-Language Therapy – Speech therapy improves conversational speech and vocabulary, nonverbal communication, sign language, and cognitive strategies for social interaction.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – This treatment involves using pictures to develop simple connections and augment the child’s ability to communicate desires to others.
- Social Groups and Community Integration – Guided sessions with your child and their peers to foster peer relationships. We affectionately call this learning the “politics of the playground.”
Our pediatric physical therapists are ready to be a part of your child’s team. Give us a call to schedule an evaluation.
What does pediatric physical therapy for autism look like?
As stated by ChoosePT:
“Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have delays in the development of basic skills. These delays occur in specific areas. They may struggle to talk to and connect with others. They also may have limited and [repetitive] behavior patterns. Often, there is a delay in forming motor (movement) skills.
Coordination and posture control are areas where children with ASD may struggle. Copying the actions of others is also hard for them. Symptoms of ASD vary from mild to severe. ASD occurs in about 1 in every 59 births in the United States. It is aboutfour4 times more likely to occur in boys than girls.
Physical therapists (PTs) are movement specialists. They are in a unique position to help children with ASD. PTs help children with ASD develop their gross motor skills and fundamental movement skills. These skills help children with ASD play games, sports and participate in physical education with their peers. PT’s help children with ASD gain their full potential.”
Components of pediatric physical therapy evaluation for children with autism include:
- Parental report of medical history and concerns
- Comprehensive motor assessment, e.g., Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency or Movement ABC
- Strength, balance, and coordination testing
- Coordination of care with other team members
Sensory integration through movement is often the first step to organize the child and prepare them for motor challenges.
Therapeutic activities can include physioball work for core strengthening and obstacle courses to promote motor planning, balance, and coordination. Finally, and most importantly, your child’s therapist will work with you to develop a comprehensive home program so that your child can continue their learning and progress outside of in-office appointments.
Ready to get your child started on a pediatric physical therapy treatment plan?
Pediatric physical therapy can help your child with autism develop to their fullest potential. Sessions with a physical therapist at our facility are safe, friendly, and encouraging.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment for an evaluation or begin therapy for your child on the autism spectrum, call us today!