My Child Has Autism…What Can Physical Therapy Do?

Nicholas S. Kelly, PT, DPT / Thursday, October 20, 2016 / Therapyland, LLC / Alpharetta, GA

“I thought you guys just worked on things like strengthening.”
Contrary to popular belief, pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work on A LOT more than just muscle strengthening for our kids. In fact, Autism Speaks denotes PTs as healthcare professionals who “focus on any problems with movement that cause functional limitations”. These movement compromises can occur in children with cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, orthopedic or cardiovascular issues, and even children with Sensory Processing and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), as well as a host of other medical diagnoses.

“Does my child need PT?”
Children with autism frequently have challenges with motor skills such as sitting, walking, running or jumping; however, every child with ASD is different from every other child with ASD. Not every child with ASD will need physical therapy. If PT is found to be medically necessary and the child could benefit from physical therapy services, a program will specifically be designed for his or her needs. If you suspect that your child has problems developing appropriate motor skills or has low muscle tone, contact your child’s pediatrician regarding physical therapy services.

“So, how exactly will the PT help my child with autism?”
A PT will start by evaluating the current developmental level and abilities of the child. Once identifying the individual’s challenges, interventions can be designed and implemented to address the “physical therapy diagnoses” or issues like poor muscle tone, balance issues, and coordination deficits - all common in children with ASD. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute outlines 4 areas of PT intervention:
● Gross Motor Skills – using large muscles for sitting, standing, walking, running, etc. 
● Balance/Coordination Skills – involves the brain, bones, and muscles in a coordinated effort for smooth movement; for example, as in climbing stairs and jumping.
● Strengthening – building muscles for support and endurance like for walking for a distance without becoming tired. 
● Functional Mobility/Motor Planning – moving through space, day to day, for independence and efficiency; for example, to climb onto the rocking chair and make it rock back and forth.
In addition, extensive collaboration with other professionals from whom your child might receive treatment (i.e., occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, behavioral therapists, etc.) will help to maximize the child’s potential to reach the highest level of functional independence.

“What will a treatment session look like?”
Since children learn through play, licensed physical therapists use child-friendly, specially chosen toys and activities to motivate and encourage patients to participate in therapy. Typically, you will find balls, swings, puzzles, and slides in our therapy gym. Children are encouraged to have fun while they work hard to accomplish the tasks their therapists set for them. In our clinic, sessions are usually an hour, with frequency determined by the referring physician, parent/caretaker, and PT. The child’s health insurance may also influence the frequency of services. 

For more information, please follow the links provided:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/100-day-kit/treatments-therapies

https://www.carautismroadmap.org/the-role-of-the-pediatric-physical-therapist-for-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorder/?print=pdf

https://www.carautismroadmap.org/examples-of-outpatient-physical-therapy-activities/?print=pdf

http://www.everydayhealth.com/autism/physical-therapy.aspx