Physiotherapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

20 Oct Physiotherapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

 Every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will present differently. However, it is common that children with ASD will require physiotherapy. Whilst children with ASD will not initially appear behind in their motor development than their peers you may notice that your child’s movement is not as precise and controlled. 

Reasons for Physiotherapy for ASD

• Low muscle tone – It is not uncommon for children with ASD to have low muscle tone. This means that they will appear very flexible and will be able to sit and rest in some bizarre positions such as the ‘W sit.’ It also means children with ASD need to use more strength and energy to do the same movement that someone who does not have low muscle tone needs to use.  
• Poor core strength – Core strength is pivotal in every activity we perform during the day. It is common in children with ASD.  
• Poor motor planning – Motor planning is our ability to create patterns of movement in our brain to perform everyday activities. For example, we all have a motor plan for walking. Children with ASD struggle to create efficient motor plans. This means their movement can appear uncoordinated and lack control. It also means that they will take longer to master movements.  

• Tight muscles and joints – Sometimes due to poor movement patterns children do not use their full range of movement causing the joints and muscles to stiffen up and tighten over time. 
• Poor balance – This is a result of poor core strength, poor motor planning and low muscle tone.  

Fortunately, physiotherapy intervention is a very effective strategy to manage these issues and give children with ASD every chance to participate in sports and keep up with their peers.  

Physiotherapy intervention

Physiotherapy for children with ASD focuses on play based therapeutic exercises to help improve your child’s strength, motor planning and balance. For older children we can also use a more gym/exercise based intervention. All treatment is tailored for your child.  

We also use goal-based treatment to keep the exercises and games meaningful to your child and help them see the benefits of physiotherapy as they achieve their goals.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to us at Western Paediatric Physiotherapy.