Autism Spectrum Disorder - Gross Motor Effects and Considerations for Physical Therapy
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently exhibit deficits in gross motor skills and postural stability. Severity of ASD is not predictive of motor skills. 1) Calm the nervous system It is helpful to begin a session by first calming the nervous system. This can be done with use of a swing or stability ball. See below for some visual examples. Youtube - Autism in Children: Exercises to Help Calm the Body Child laying supine on foam roller, tapping alternating R hand to L knee, L hand to R knee (crosses midling). Also can do claps (T-position, then bring together at midline) as well as karate chops (arms extended overhead, bring together at hip level) 2) Throwing/catching skills At age appropriate - throwing overhand, underhand, catching with two hands, catching with one hand. -bounce against a wall and catch 3) Balance skills Using stepping stones or tandem walking to challenge base of support and righting reactions. -therapist also asked them to jum...