Physical therapy includes activities and exercises that build motor skills and improve strength, posture, and balance.
For example, this type of therapy aims to help a child build muscle control and strength so that he or she can play more easily with other children.
Problems with movement are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and many children with autism receive physical therapy. However, there is not yet solid evidence that particular therapies can improve movement skills in those with autism.
Physical therapists have unique training in child development and motor control. This expertise allows them to assess a child’s motor delays and functional performance. Physical therapists work with your child, the family, and your child’s school to help them:
- Engage and improve in daily routines at home and school.
- Acquire new movement skills.
- Develop better coordination and a more stable posture.
- Improve play skills, such as throwing and catching a ball with another person.
- Develop motor imitation skills.
- Increase fitness and stamina.
A physical therapist will evaluate your child thoroughly. This will include taking a health and developmental history. Your child’s physical therapist also will assess:
- Postural strength and control.
- Functional mobility (such as walking and running).
- Body and safety awareness.
- Coordination.
- Play skills.
- Interests and motivators.
- Ability to change between different activities.
- How your child jumps, hops, pedals a tricycle or bicycle, and skips.
- Daily routines in the home, community, and school.
Your physical therapist will work with you to develop goals to help your child participate as fully as possible at home and school. Your physical therapist will then create a plan to meet your child’s and your whole family’s needs. Each child’s challenges and goals are different. Your physical therapist will personalize a program to meet the strengths and needs of your child. They will work with you to monitor your child’s progress. They also will collect data to ensure their plan is helping your child and adjust the plan as your child makes progress.