Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how an individual experiences & interacts with the world. The common symptoms of ASD include struggle with social skills, communication, sensory processing and motor coordination. Physical therapy offers comprehensive care and support for children with autism spectrum. It can help children with challenges and enhance functional ability & live a healthy & fulfilling life. In this blog, we understand how physical therapy can provide effective support for children with autism spectrum and lead a fulfilling life.
What is Autism Spectrum?
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological and developmental condition impacting how a person communities, behaves and interacts. Autism impacts the normal functioning of the brain and the severity can vary from person to person. Children with ASD take a while to develop basic skills. They also struggle to connect with others but also develop strong interests in specific objects and topics. There are many misconceptions about physiotherapy for autism that it focuses solely on physical limitations. Physical therapy or physiotherapy for autism helps children master basic motor skills, coordination, and balance and promotes overall well-being.
Role of Physical Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autistic children face challenges with basic motor skills that impact their routine functioning and quality of life. Physical therapy can help children overcome these difficulties and enhance their motor skills. At Physiobliss, we understand every individual is different and so are the challenges. At our physical therapy center in Vadodara, we personalize treatment programs to help patients learn new skills and practice them in a fun way.
Approaches & Techniques Used in Autism Physiotherapy Treatment
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy focuses on improving sensory processing and integration skills. This physical therapy technique helps children process sensory stimuli by engaging them in activities that stimulate their senses. The activities include jumping, balancing, swinging, tactile and other such activities.
Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) focuses on improving motor skills by participating in activities that improve coordination and control. NDT involves activities that require children to have movement patterns to develop instincts to effectively move and position their bodies. These activities help them to figure out the best way to move their body to avoid obstacles around them.
Strength Training
This is another physiotherapy for autism adults as well as children. The physical therapist uses resistant training and weight-bearing activities to strengthen and tone muscles, and enhance physical endurance.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Autism
Physical therapy plays a significant role in supporting individuals by addressing unique needs and challenges. Targeted interventions involving a combination of exercises, activities and techniques are designed to help improve motor skills, and sensory integration and promote social skills.
Improved Motor Skills
One of the major benefits of physical therapy for autism is that it helps to improve motor skills. Physiotherapy focuses on specific exercises to help improve coordination, balance and body awareness. By engaging in fun activities like clapping hands, jumping, hopping, catching balls or skipping helps children refine their motor skills.
Sensory Integration
Sensory integration refers to an individual’s ability to process and interpret the processed information. Many people with autism have problems with sensory integration. They are either hypersensitive or hyposensitive to specific sensory stimuli.
Behavioural Regulation
Physical activities in physiotherapy sessions can help improve behavioural patterns that are associated with ASD. The therapist incorporates play-based activities that foster social interaction, communication, socialization and cooperation. Exercises and physical activities promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety and help manage repetitive behaviour.
Improved Quality of Life
Physical therapy can significantly improve the quality of life by addressing unique physical challenges, promoting independence, and helping build a deeper connection with loved ones.
Physical therapy plays an important role in helping and supporting children with ASD by improving motor skills, sensory integration and social skills. At Physiobliss we create a personalized physical therapy treatment plan to address the specific needs of children. With the guidance of a professional physiotherapist, parents, teachers and caregivers, we can help boost physical development and build confidence in children while promoting overall well being. To schedule an appointment, call us.
