Autism Therapy: gross motor skills

definition of gross motor skills: not yet defined.

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Special Education versus Inclusive Education: The Role of the TEACCH Program
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, by Panerai, S., Zingale M., Trubia G., Finocchiaro M., Zuccarello R., Ferri R., and Elia M., published in 2009, summarized Aug 4, 2009

The TEACCH program may be a useful approach in different settings (home, school, and residential) to help children with autism learn skills.

This study compared the treatment and education of children with autism using the TEACCH program versus an inclusive nonspecific program. Boys with autism and severe mental retardation were enrolled in one of 3 different programs over a 3 year period. Thirteen boys were enrolled in the natural-setting (NS-TEACCH; home and mainstream school) program, 11 boys in the residential (R-TEACCH) program, and 10 boys in the inclusive education-nonspecific (INSP) approach. Boys in either one of the TEACCH programs (NS or R) improved from baseline in 11 or more skills (for example, perception, fine motor, gross motor). Boys in the INSP showed improvement in perception only. Therefore, the TEACCH programs may be more helpful for children with autism than the nonspecific inclusive education program.


Sensori-Motor and Daily Living Skills in Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
J Autism Dev Disord, by Jasmin, E., Couture M., McKinley P., Reid G., Fombonne E., and Gisel E., published in 2009, summarized Apr 23, 2009

Therapy that teaches motor skills may help children with autism to perform daily tasks.

The purpose of this study was to see if sensori-motor skills affect whether or not preschool-aged children with autism can perform daily living skills. The authors assumed that children with autism would have weaker sensori-motor skills than other children. While this was true, they found that the sensori-motor skills varied quite a bit amongst their group of 35 children with autism. The children with autism had large delays in gross motor and fine motor skills compared to other children. The poor daily living skills in children with autism are caused, in part, by these delays in sensorimotor skills.


Prevalence of Motor Impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Brain & Development, by Ming, X., Brimacombe M., and Wagner GC, published in 2007, summarized Oct 18, 2007

Motor problems in children with autism are often ignored.

Most experts do not see children with autism as having motor problems. This study was designed to see to what extent children with autism also have motor problems. The 154 children in the study were at The Autism Center in New Jersey. About 10% of children in the study had gross motor delay. Motor problems were more common in younger children and tended to decrease as children aged.


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How to Choose Holiday Gifts for Children with Autism

Dec 7, 2009

Most kids like holiday gifts, but finding something for a child with autism may be difficult. Haugland Learning Center, in Ohio, has some suggestions: choose toys that can help with socialization and choose toys that may build fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Some ideas they have include puzzles, blocks and rings that can be stacked, and crawl tunnels or yoga balls. Another great resource for toys and games is the Differently-Abled Toy Guide from ToysRus.

Read original article: What Holiday Gifts are Best for Children with Autism?


Brainasium: A Place for Children with Autism to Get Gymnastics for Their Brains

Oct 13, 2009

Brainasium, in Granite Bay, California, allows children with autism and ADHD to practice gymnastics with their brains. The "gym" at Brainasium resembles a room full of children receiving play therapy, but in fact, the exercises help kids with left-right brain issues, core strength, balance, and organization. Many of the "exercises" help with visual processing issues. For example, the obstacle course teaches children fine and gross motor skills that have been found to help with math, handwriting, speech, and  communication.

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Pirate Speech Camp is Intensive Therapy and Fun

Jul 28, 2009

For the second year in a row, East Carolina University (ECU) has operated the Pirate Speech Camp in North Carolina. Children with autism and other communication delays receive speech and language therapy in an atmosphere of fun, play, and arts and crafts. Camp counselors are graduate students in communication sciences and disorders at ECU. Camp activities are structured and children are encouraged to interact socially with other campers. There are "group language activities, fine motor craft activities and gross motor activities like the parachute or indoor baseball." There are plans to increase the number of campers next summer. Camp is hands-on training for counselors and a chance for the children to maintain their speech and social skills while out of school.

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Gaits to Success Provides Healing Horses to Children with Autism

Jun 24, 2009

Gaits to Success in Mississippi provides therapeutic horseback riding to children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The 12 year-old riding program provides the chance for children and adults to increase their fine and gross motor skills on horseback. The riders learn balance and muscle strength. At the same time, self-esteem is improved along with social interaction skills. One mom says of her son, "It's helping him to focus more, to listen better and follow directions." Her son has made such improvements that he will be participating in a Special Olympics horsemanship event. Gaits for Success is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).

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