Autism Therapy: physical therapy (PT)

definition of physical therapy: not yet defined.

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Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, by Kim, C., Disare K., Pfeiffer M., Kerker BD, and McVeigh KH, published in 2009, summarized Aug 26, 2009

Some families may experience delays in getting therapy services for their children under 3 years of age in New York City.

This article describes a study of 14,623 children in New York City who had developmental delays that required therapy services in 2004. The children were under 3 years of age. In New York City, children with developmental delays are given an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to define the services that are needed for that child. Ideally the child would start therapy services within 21 days of getting their IFSP. The authors said that some children had to wait longer than 21 days to get therapies. The percentage of children who had to wait varied for different therapy services. The highest was 13% for speech therapy, and the lowest was 4% for physical therapy. People in this study who lived in low-income or Spanish-speaking neighborhoods had more service delays than people who live elsewhere.


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.


Zero to Three, by Lytel, J., Lopez_Garcia J., and Stacey P., published in 2008, summarized Mar 19, 2009

Every family has the right to choose the therapy program that best suits the needs of the child with autism and the family.

This is a group of three essays that describe the impact of autism on three families. The first parent relied on psychotherapy for her child and herself. The second parent used occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy, and physical therapy. The third parent used Floortime therapy. In the best of worlds, a therapy program respects the choice of the family, builds on family strengths, and partners with parents.


Brain, by GidleyLarson, JC, Bastian AJ, Donchin O., Shadmehr R., and Mostofsk SH, published in 2008, summarized Jan 1, 2009

Children with autism may be able to best learn new motor tasks if they are shown and described to them clearly.

This study looked at children with autism to see if they could change their motor output in response to a changes around them. The study had three tasks: two tasks that involved reaching with a robot arm; and one task that was performed with prism glasses. Scientists believe that a part of the brain called the cerebellum should be used adapt motor output to novel tools such as robot arms and prism glasses. The authors were surprised to find that children with autism were able to adapt to the tasks. These results suggest that children with autism are able to acquire an internal model of movement.


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


The Larsen family of Montana found that a combination of therapies has helped their son with autism learn to communicate and be social. Six months ago, Gay Larsen said her son, Leighton, had difficulty communicating, now she says, he is able to ask and answer questions. The combination of therapies that seems to have worked the best with Leighton include, speech, occupational, and physical therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and PLAY project. The Larsens make sure that Leighton gets reinforcement at home with them as well as in his therapy sessions. They continue to research and try therapies as their son makes developmental gains.

Read original article: Great Falls Family Uses Different Autism Therapies


Since the times of ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates (over 2,400 years ago), there has been much to recommend aquatic therapy (or swim therapy). This form of physical therapy takes place in water and is a low impact activity. Recent research with children with autism has shown “substantial increases in attention, muscle strength and balance, as well as the ability to tolerate touch and to initiate and maintain eye contact.” Another study followed kids with autism who used swim therapy for over 10 years and found they had increased movement, family interaction, and were better able to handle sensory issues. Lisa Koo, OTR/L at Bergen Pediatric Therapy Center explains water therapy is unique because of buoyancy, water pressure, reduced force on joints, and increased body awareness.

Read original article: Aquatic Therapy


Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) works with local Filipino communities to provide early intervention therapies for children with autism. The Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Centers (STACs) allow economically deprived children access to physical therapy, special education, supplemental feeding, and socialization skills. BBC has currently transitioned 18 STACs to their locale’s governance. For example, STAC Cabugao has already served children with disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and Down syndrome.

Read original article: Therapeutic Center for Children with Disabilities Opens



Please comment on this autism topic.

Responding to insurance

Sep 13, 2011 by Anonymous

We have private insurance for which we pay a premium and deductible.  It covers occupational therapy, language therapy, physical therapy and psychological therapy but at a combined 75 visits for calendar year.  This is not for each therapy but rather 75 total for all together. Thus, even with illness or vacation times taken, we do not have enough alotted time slots covered to continue therapy for a full year.  Once we run out of the 75 covered slots, we must pay out of pocket.  We pay a copay of $20 per visit.  So, for example, if my child sees a language/speech therapist and the ot once per week it is $40 out of pocket until we hit the magic 75 allowed under the insurance.  Then we woud have to pay $150 for one therapy and $160 for the other per week.  The psychology/psychiatrist appointments are monthly. All of these therapies would be available more frequently and I am told by the therapists very helpful if we could do more than once a week for 1/2 a session but we cannot afford to do this.  The children on the autism spectrum benefit greatly from these therapies and it is something that should be covered under the insurance policies, just as any health or mental health issue should be.


Thank you for this article.  It is such a great reminder of how invaluable of a resource AAT is for children!  We've seen such great responses to our program and we're just in training stages.  Children in speech/occupational/and physical therapy are just in love and work extra hard to communicate.  It's just amazing.  AAT is just a treasure that many people aren't familiar with.

Dorshan

President/Founder of Pawsitive Therapeutic Consulting Services

Your partners in creating BiG PaWsabilities through Animal Assisted Therapy & Activities

Meet Berlin our Great Dane in AAT/AAA training (click here)


Responding to sports

Feb 22, 2010 by Anonymous

I have had my child enrolled in gymnastics as a form of physical therapy. I have lots of experience teaching swim lessons, and I use "aquatic therapy" as a means of therapy for her sensory problems and speech and social skills.



Please comment on physical therapy (PT) or other autism therapy topics.

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  • Synonyms for physical therapy (PT) include: physical therapy, PT
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