Autism
Physical therapy is an important part of treating autism in children. It can help them to improve their physical abilities, coordination and balance, and overall quality of life. Through physical therapy sessions with a certified physical therapist, children with autism can learn new skills that build upon each other to promote independence.
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Physical Differences in Children with Autism
Children with autism may have physical differences that impede their ability to participate in activities, interact with other children or express themselves. These physical differences can be due to motor planning difficulties, impaired muscle development, poor balance, and delayed or absent gross motor skills in child development. As a result, children with autism may have difficulty functioning in their environments without specialized support and intervention.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Autism
Physical therapy can help children with autism reach their potential by achieving physical childhood developmental milestones and building skills that are essential for independent living. Physical therapists provide specific exercises, activities, and interventions designed to address the individual needs of a child with autism. This helps promote motor development, improve sensory processing, increase independence, and encourage social interaction.
Promote Gross Motor Skills
Physical therapy can help children with autism refine their gross motor skills. Physical therapists will assess the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas of need to create a personalized treatment plan that focuses on improving coordination, balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Through physical activities and exercises, these movements are practiced to increase muscle development and control.
Improve Sensory Processing
Working with a physical therapist also helps to improve sensory processing for children with autism. This is done through the use of tactile input, bilateral coordination exercises, and sensory integration activities. These tools can help to improve the child’s ability to process sensory information more effectively.
Increase Independence
Physical therapy can help children with autism develop the skills and confidence needed for greater independence. By focusing on balance, coordination, and core strength, a physical therapist can help a child with autism gain the motor skills necessary to move more freely in their environment. Additionally, physical therapy helps build trust and self-confidence in children with autism so they feel more comfortable in their bodies and can engage more fully with the world around them.
Encourage Social Interaction
By improving physical abilities and motor planning, physical therapy can help children with autism to interact more effectively with their environment. By increasing strength, balance, and coordination, physical therapy can also improve play skills in autistic children like throwing a ball. This improved social interaction will allow them to better engage in activities with peers or siblings.
Early Intervention Physical Therapy for Autism
Early intervention is essential when it comes to physical therapy for children with autism. It is important to start as soon as possible to maximize the potential benefits of physical therapy and increase the child’s development and independence. Early intervention physical therapy for autism can provide a number of benefits to children before they enter elementary school. It can help them develop the skills they need to participate in activities and socialize with their peers. It can also help to improve communication and reduce problem behaviors in the classroom. By providing early intervention physical therapy for autism, parents can rest assured that their child has the necessary skills to excel in elementary school and beyond.
Physical Therapy for Autism at Circle of Care
At Circle of Care, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive pediatric physical therapy for children with autism. Our team of experienced physical therapists works together with the family and other healthcare providers to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically to your child’s needs. Contact us online today or call (877) 434-4317 to learn more about how physical therapy can help your child reach their full potential.