Autism Therapy: movement

definition of movement: Movement is the motion of any body part, such as arms, toes, and head. Movement and motion occurs in developmental stages. For example, a child may sit up at six months of age, and take his first steps at around 12 months of age. Movement can be gross motor, which include walking, crawling, or jumping or fine motor, which include playing video games or a musical instrument.

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Environmental Fit: A Model for Assessing and Treating Problem Behavior Associated with Curricular Difficulties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, by Blakeley-Smith, A., Carr EG, Cale SI, and Owen-DeSchryver JS, published in 2009, summarized Jan 13, 2010

Children with autism may have fewer behavior problems when they are in an environment where they can successfully complete tasks.

A child with autism who has a good environmental fit is in an environment that is geared toward their abilities. With a good fit, they may have more success with motor (movement) and academic (e.g. reading) tasks. This study asked whether environmental fit was related to problem behaviors for 6 children with autism (4 to 13 years old). The authors said that children with autism who had good environmental fit had fewer problem behaviors. They also completed more tasks correctly, and they felt better overall. The authors said that matching activities with current skill levels may help lower problem behaviors for children with autism.


Catatonia and Autism: A Historical Review, with Implications for Electroconvulsive Therapy
Journal of ECT, by Dhossche, DM, Reti IM, and Wachtel LE, published in 2009, summarized Oct 19, 2009

Some people with autism also have catatonia, and electroconvulsive therapy may be helpful in some of those cases.

Catatonia is a brain condition with symptoms where the person repeats words (his own or the words of others), repeats behaviors, and has a grimace look on his face. Catatonia symptoms are common in some people with autism. Catatonia can be severe for some people, resulting in loss of movement, reduced speech, or stupor. More mild symptoms of catatonia include freezing during actions, slow movement and/or speech. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses a mild electric shock that is given to specific places in the brain while the patient is under anesthesia (unconscious). The helpful effect of ECT comes from the seizures that are triggered in the brain by the electrical current. The electrical current happens to be the most reliable way to induce seizures in the brain. How seizures improve catatonia is unknown. The authors said that ECT therapy has been helpful for some people who have both autism and catatonia.


A Back Door Approach to Autism and AAC
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, by Mirenda, P., published in 2008, summarized Jun 15, 2009

Therapies for motor (movement) skills, language, and reading development may help children with autism learn to communicate.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) therapies tend to focus on very basic communication skills. There is growing evidence that additional therapies may help improve the effectiveness of AAC. The author believes that motor , language , and reading are important skills in communication. The author suggests that therapists and parents to add these additional interventions to AAC therapies to help children with autism learn to communicate.


Exploring Cognitive Intervention for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, by Phelan, S., Steinke L., and Mandich A., published in 2009, summarized May 7, 2009

A new approach to occupational therapy may be helpful in teaching children with autism to tie their shoes, keyboard, ride a bike, and do other daily tasks.

Motor problems are common in children with autism. This case study looks at a new treatment approach to treating autism, the Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP). The CO-OP approach was first designed to help children with movement (coordination) problems. The authors found that the CO-OP approach helped the two boys in the study learn to do a better job with day-to-day tasks. The authors note that the children's ability to perform the daily tasks varied over the course of the study.


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Kids Toolbox Store Supplies Items for Kids with Autism

Apr 17, 2012

Kids Toolbox in Clearwater Florida supplies “tools” or toys or whatever a child with autism might want. Owners Mike and Pam LeGath have created a store that helps children be comfortable: low lights and a sensory play area. One item they stock is a game called Tricky Fish. A child might think it’s a toy, but it actually helps him develop eye/hand coordination, motor skills, and attention span. Kids Toolbox carries other special items as well as seamless clothing for children who have sensory issues. The store wants to be a community resource and is also hosting lectures on special needs once a week.

Read oringal article: Clearwater Store Stocks Tools for Helping Children with Autism, ADD, Special Needs


Riding Therapy Organization Gets New Space

Apr 6, 2012

The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART), which offers equine therapy to kids with autism and other special needs has moved to a larger space. The 15 horses have room to roam on 23 acres that includes two barns, a house, pond, swimming pool, and riding fields. At SMART, kids and adults are assisted onto their horses and then perform certain exercises. For example, riders might put their hands on their hips or grab a ring off a hook. All exercises are designed to help with strength, balance, and motion. One special trail is used for sensory work; horseback riders brush by chimes and ride by lovely smelling herbs. Plans for expansion include fishing in the pond, gardening therapy, and physical therapy space.

Read original article: Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy Holds Open House to Show Off New Digs


Robot Made from Wood May Help Kids with Autism Learn Emotions

Feb 16, 2012

Build-A-Robot from Plan Toys is a wooden toy that may help children with autism learn different emotions. We have written about children with autism and the help they may receive from robots before, but those robots often appeared to look like "special needs" toys. This wooden robot looks much more like block sets that children would relate to. Laura Chun Urquiaga, a former photojournalist, worked with ASD specialists to design the toy. The robot figure, which appeals to boys and girls, has different heads expressing anger, surprise, happiness, and sadness. The heads are changeable and promote sensory awareness and fine motor skills along with teaching emotions. The best part? Build-A-Robot is only $35.

Read original article: A Wooden Robot that Teaches Autistic Kids to Recognize Emotions


Rodeo School Also Benefits Kids with Autism

Jan 11, 2012

Along with its rodeo-themed curriculum, the Westwind Rodeo Academy in Alberta Canada offers equine therapy for people with autism. Shellee Shaw, the academy’s director began focusing on kids with disabilities in 2009. She believes that horses and kids with autism are a natural match; there is unconditional love from the animal, full body movement for the child, and reduction of stress. Teachers and therapists who help with the horseback riding talk about the improvements they have seen in children’s confidence and communication. “It probably is the most effective thing that I’ve done with kids,” said Lanny Smith, a counselor at Cardston Elementary School.

Read original article: More than Horseplay: Rodeo School Helps Children with Special Needs


Showing 1-4 of 58 results


Please comment on this autism topic.

Responding to movement therapy

Feb 15, 2012 by Whole Medicine

Have readers of this forum heard of Interactive Metronome?

I have worked with numerous LD's.  Because ASD has as a major component deficits in Executive Functioning, focus, attention and inhibition, I have had tremendous sucess with students on the Spectrum.

TJ, a 12 y/o male with ASD was still bed wetting and presented aggressive/assaultive behavior towards younger siblings and classmates/instructors.

  • After 6 IM sessions bed wetting ceased
  • After 15 sessions TJ displayed the ability to self-monitor escalation of aggressive emotions/behaviors, ending physical attacks upon sibling

  • TJ now attends mainstreamed H.S., classes and no longer requires a F/T class aide


JR was a 17 y/o male dx'd with Aspergers comorbid with ADD and ODD behavior.  Due to gross/fine motor deficits and very low muscle tone he was anxious about any physical activities and exhibited poor self-concept

  • After 4 sessions he began to show generalized timing improvements and his self-confidence grew
  • After 12 sessions Mom reported he was self-initiating chores at home!
  • JR gained confidence in his athletic abilities and learned a left handed [non-dominant side] lay-up 

Please feel free to contact me if you want to learn more. 

 

In Good Health!



Edward Jonathans BSc-IMC
Sensory-Motor Therapist


Responding to aquatic

Sep 4, 2011 by Anonymous

I have been a private swim instructor, specializing in teaching children with disabilities for over 10 years in Los Angeles. Most of my swimmers are children, ages 2- 12, who are on the Autism spectrum. When these children are in the water, they all have shown a sense of comfort, mind and body relaxation. With certain cues, such as the word "focus," I am able to receive quick eye contact and immediate response to my action requested by them. Positive reinforcement and encouraging words, whether the task was perform correctly or not, increases their consistency of performance in the water. Their sense of body movement in the water becomes hightened because they have control over the water and therefore they feel the need and comfort to be in the water and be active.


Responding to weighted vest

Aug 25, 2011 by Anonymous

 My young adult son hiked the entire Appalachian trail a few years ago--form Ga to Maine--over 7 months --carrying a 40 plus pound back pack.  He was calm, relaxed and maintained a positive mood as the hike continued.  He was able to stop his Ablilfy meds while hiking and lost 40 pounds of excess weight.  He self reports that he gained spiritual insight, confidence, and trust in his fellow humans.  His comment was that he only met two people he didn't like--out of the hundreds he encountered.  Based on Joe's experience, I believe hiking is a wonderful non-competitive activity for some high functining young adults on the spectrum. The weight bearing and steady movement in generally quiet and natural settings agreed with Joe.  He  had never hiked and never pitched a tent--but  with the support of an experienced hiking partner, he made his way over 2,000 miles of hard mountainous terrain--an amazing accomplishment for anyone--and a phenomenal one for Joe.


Responding to movement therapy

Mar 15, 2011 by Anonymous

Please consider an outstanding movement exercise that works

the whole body which is riding a horse.  My hope is that some

day Autism Movement Therapy(Music & Dance)  well do a demonstration

at a therapeutic riding center where several movement rhythm therapies

can come "Together" for the benefit of the student.

Thanks, Phil Waigand "THE BEAT"(Heart Hoof Drum)  Arlington, TX  


Showing 1-4 of 16 results

Please comment on movement or other autism therapy topics.

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    • Synonyms for movement include: motion, motor skills
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