Autism and Physiotherapy
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition characterised by difficulties in social interaction, communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours, and sensory sensitivities.
Dyspraxia and Autism
Dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder) refers to a disorder in which children do not develop the motor skills that they are expected for their age. Up to 87% of children with Autism are at risk of having movement impairments which can impact their ability to function and participate in everyday activities.
What are the types of dyspraxia?
There are three main types of dyspraxia including Motor Dyspraxia, Verbal Dyspraxia and Oral Dyspraxia.
What are the symptoms of Motor Dyspraxia?
Motor dyspraxia involves trouble with coordinating physical movements, for example, walking up or down stairs, kicking balls and hopping.
Some signs a child may have motor dyspraxia include:
- Issues with fine motor skills such as writing, buttoning, tying shoelaces, or physical activities like running and jumping
- Struggling to learn a new skill e.g. riding a bike
- Difficulties with daily activities like getting dressed
- They often collide with people or objects while moving
- They fatigue or get tired quickly
- They tend to have "clumsy" movements
- They tend to be messy while eating
How can Physio help with Autism?
Physiotherapists can work with adults and children who have autism to help improve physical endurance and motor skills. This in turn will help an individual's emotional and social development and participation in everyday activities.
What will Physiotherapy involve?
- Enhancing fine motor skills such as writing, using cutlery, and shoelace tying
- Developing gross motor skills such as walking, running, hopping, jumping and stair climbing
- Hand-eye coordination improvement exercises
- Posture and balance improvement exercises
- Coordination-focused activities
- Strength and endurance building exercises
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