Paediatric Physiotherapy for Children with Autism
Paediatric Physiotherapy for Children with Autism: Nurturing Development and Well-being.
Written by Danielle Bararuk | February 16, 2024
According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 1 in 50 (or 2.0%) Canadian children and youth aged 1 to 17 years were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With statistics like that, it’s no wonder parents frequently have questions regarding autism symptoms and resources.
You’ve come to the right place! At Holistic Physiotherapy and Wellness, we are passionate about supporting children with autism that have motor and sensory challenges in an inclusive environment.
But before we even get that far, let’s talk about what autism is, the signs to watch for, and what early intervention might look like.
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Because autism is a ‘spectrum disorder’, it can manifest differently in each individual. It is typically characterised by social communication challenges and behavioural issues. The severity of symptoms can vary from very mild to quite severe.
Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Understanding this diversity is essential to fostering autism acceptance and creating a supportive environment.
Recognizing Signs of Autism
Recognizing the early signs of autism is crucial for early intervention. These may include challenges in social interaction, difficulty in communication, repetitive behaviours, intense interests, sensory sensitivities, and motor challenges.
Parents of children with autism commonly report that their child does not respond to their name, avoids eye contact, and doesn’t return a smile. They may be sensitive to certain tastes, smells, or sound, and may make repetitive movements, like rocking their body or flicking their fingers.
In addition, children on the spectrum may not talk as much as their peers, reject pretend play, or take words and phrases only in their literal sense. They may prefer to play alone instead of with others. They may also miss social cues that others seem to recognize readily.
As a parent or caregiver, we know you are attentive to your child’s developmental milestones. If your child is exhibiting any of the behaviours listed above, or if you just want an evaluation to be proactive, please reach out to us.
Autism and Physical Therapy
Early intervention is key when it comes to addressing motor control difficulties in individuals with autism. Paediatric physiotherapy interventions can be a valuable ally in contributing to the overall well-being and development of children on the autism spectrum and helping them navigate the world with more confidence.
Children with autism may experience low muscle tone, motor coordination difficulties, balance issues, and/or delayed motor development - all to varying degrees. Our team works with families to develop a custom intervention plan based on individual needs. We recognize communication and sensory challenges impact how children with autism learn, interact, and develop movement skills. Our goal is to enhance your child’s motor skills, improve coordination, and promote overall physical well-being in a way that works for them.
Autism Acceptance
Let’s face it - the world is not always the most accepting place for people who have motor and sensory challenges. At Holistic Physiotherapy & Wellness, we strive every day to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, accepted, seen, and supported.
We believe the best way we can support children with autism is by helping each child developmentally grow into the person they were meant to be.
If you have questions about physiotherapy for your child with autism, we can help.
Consulting with a paediatric physiotherapist is a proactive step towards ensuring a healthy and happy childhood for your little human. Please schedule an appointment today to evaluate any health issues that might affect your child and let us envelope you in our holistic circle of care.
Danielle Bararuk
Clinical Director, BScPT