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Physical Therapy (PT) is therapy which uses methods such as exercise and massage to improve the physical functioning and gross-motor skills of the patient.
Physical Therapy (PT) is therapy which uses methods such as exercise and massage to improve the physical functioning and gross-motor skills of the patient.
PT is known to have positive effects on the physical and sensory motor challenges that often accompany ASD.
PT is known to have positive effects on the physical and sensory motor challenges that often accompany ASD.
Children with ASD have many deficits which can be improved with PT:
Children with ASD have many deficits which can be improved with PT:
On average, children with ASD begin walking 2.5 months later than children without ASD. Early PT intervention can help children with ASD walk at the same time as their neurotypical peers and help them have a more typical gait.
65% of individuals with ASD have delays in their motor functioning; of whom, 85% of their delays were apparent before they reached 3 years old.
Children with ASD often have an atypical gait and muscle movements which is commonly improved with PT.
Imaging studies show that children with ASD have less activation in their cerebellum: the part of the brain most responsible for motor movement, walking, balance, and posture, all of which can be benefited with PT (Mieres et al., 2012).
51% of children with ASD have hypotonia, 34% have motor apraxia, and 19% actively display toe walking, all are known to have improvements when worked on in PT (Ming et al., 2007)
More than 70% of individuals with ASD also have a comorbidity; many of which may be benefited through PT (DSM5, 2013, p.58).
Benefits of PT for individuals with ASD:
Development of new motor skills.
Strengthening/ improvement of current motor skills.
Improved imitation skills.
Better coordination.
Improved posture which has beneficial effects on back pain, breathing, and gait.
Better ability to take part in home and school routines.
Better physical stamina (Dr. Stephens, 2019).
Early intervention
Work with family and caregivers to develop routines that focus on and develop skills that will be beneficial for the future.
Typically consists of structured play.
Coordination is often a key part of early intervention.
Commonly, the song "Head, Schoulders, Knees and Toes" is used to improve coordination with a PT.
Skills will not only help with practical tasks, but also for socialization with peers (Dr. Stephens, 2019).
If early intervention was missed, it's never too late to begin PT.
In the school setting
Helps with behavior management.
Can take place in a physical education or recess setting.
Can be incorporated into the class with "movement breaks" or activities such as hula-hooping.
Improved skills may include:
Sharing
Self-Control
listening
Spatial awareness
Coordination
Social skills
PT can take place in a "pull-out" method, having the student leave the classroom to work either independently or with a group of peers and a therapist.
PT can also be a "push-in " service, bringing the therapist into the classroom, or having the teacher engage the student in various activities as directed by the therapist (Dr. Stephens, 2019).
PT for adults with ASD
Depending on the individual needs of the participant, PT can be more skill or practical based.
Physical Therapists may develop exercise plans for the participant to complete on their own, or with the therapist.
Physical Therapists may work with local resources and employers to incorporate PT into the already established daily routines of participants.
PT can work to improve or establish skills necessary for daily living as well as prevocational skills (Dr. Stephens, 2019).
PT for individuals with ASD can also be completed upon HorseBack during a Hippotherapy Session:
Local PT centers with ASD specific services:
Center Health Care of the Center for Disability Services:
Call: (518) 437-5900
Email: John.Mazzariello@Cfdsny.org
Thomas Nicolla Physical Therapy
Call: (518) 690-2882
Email: Contact@nicollatherapy.com
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