Children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions face unique challenges in their daily lives. These challenges often encompass deficits in motor skills and physical development. Physiotherapy for autism is a valuable approach that combines therapeutic exercises with play, designed to enhance strength, balance, muscle coordination, stamina, mobility, and confidence.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in addressing the physical difficulties faced by children with autism, such as:
1. Developmental Delay
Children with autism may experience developmental delays in various areas, including cognitive, speech, and motor skills. Early signs of physical developmental delay encompass challenges such as difficulty holding up their head, rolling over, crawling, sitting up, walking, jumping and riding a bike. Physiotherapy can help these children develop the gross motor skills necessary for everyday activities, through fun and engaging exercises.
2. Reduced Body Awareness
Children with ASD often lack awareness of their own body parts, making them more prone to accidents. Physiotherapy incorporates activities that enhance body awareness, which can reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
3. Low Muscle Tone
Muscle tone is crucial for maintaining posture and supporting the body when sitting or standing. Children with autism who have low muscle tone may struggle with posture and gross motor development. Physiotherapy targets these issues by working to improve active muscle strength to counter the effects of low resting muscle tone, ultimately leading to better posture and physical capabilities.
Which Children Will Benefit?
A physiotherapist with additional paediatric qualifications, possesses the expertise to work with children exhibiting a wide range of symptoms. A kids physio will employ innovative approaches to assist children with issues that may include:
- Poor movement coordination
- Balance problems
- High or low muscle tone
- Physical and sensory regulation difficulties
- Gait issues (such as tip-toe walking)
- Postural problems while sitting or standing
- Delayed achievement of motor milestones
Unlocking Potential Through Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for autism is designed to address various aspects of a child’s development:
- Gross Motor Skills: Physiotherapy helps children with developmental delays improve their gross motor skills, enabling them to sit, roll over, stand, jump and run confidently.
- Fine Motor Skills: Fine motor skills are developed through regular therapy, enabling children to improve writing skills, artistic self-expression and daily self-care tasks (buttons, zips, etc).
- Coordination: Therapists focus on enhancing the necessary muscles to improve balance and limb coordination, facilitating smoother movements.
- Developing Reciprocal-Play Skills: Through various strategies, physical therapists help children engage in activities that require interaction and reaction, such as throwing and catching a ball.
- Increasing Stamina: Physical therapy for autism emphasises boosting a child’s stamina through activities like kicking, jumping, and running.
Participating in physical activities brings a multitude of additional benefits for children with autism:
Improvement in Regulation: Children with autism may exhibit maladaptive behaviours when they struggle to express themselves or have difficulty controlling their physical movements. Physiotherapy offers a constructive outlet for their energy, with structured and play based exercises helping to regulate movement patterns. This helps the child to be more in control of their own body which can have a positive impact on feelings of stress and anxiety.
Improvement in Overall Health: Engaging in physical activities helps children stay active, reducing the risk of health issues such as obesity.
Increased Independence: By developing motor skills, children can accomplish everyday activities more easily, such as climbing stairs or dressing themselves. Physiotherapy improves their strength and stamina, positively impacting their daily lives.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is an invaluable resource for children with autism, enabling them to overcome physical challenges, improve their motor skills, and enhance their overall well-being. By incorporating play and structured exercises, physiotherapy not only aids in physical development but also promotes positive behaviours and independence.
In addition to offering in-clinic Kids Physio sessions and assessments, Rise Physio collaborates with parents to create exercise programs that can be continued at home. The ultimate goal of therapy is to build the essential physical strength and coordination needed for a fulfilling and independent life.
