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 jump on/off of the last one

4) General strengthening

Kick the ball

Grabbing ball with feet (sometimes add challenge by going off of midline), then passing the ball to the hands.

Wrestle the ball - first from the kid, then from the therapist.

using a ball for arm strength - push-ups, walking hands forward/back (wheelbarrow)

A modification from above, utilizing greater support as well as manipulatives for increased participation.