Physical Therapy For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Many treatment approaches have developed different ways of dealing with the challenges of autism. First, there is the theory of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which consists of giving a child a specific task, which teaches skills from basic ones to more complex ones, such as social interaction. Children taking this approach, work 30-40 hours a week with a trained professional. (West 66) It may be emotionally difficult for the child, and his/her parents to dedicate so much time, yet it is worth it. However, it has been proven that ABA methods have shown consistent results in teaching new skills and behaviors to children with autism. (West 68)

Autism spectrum disorder has become the most common neurological and developmental disorder diagnosed in children today. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012) estimate that 1 out of every 88 American children have been properly diagnosed. There is no known cure for autism, and the inconsistencies of the symptoms of autism in each case make it difficult to target a particular set of effective treatments. However some behavior management therapies, specifically physical therapy, may help to significantly control the unwanted symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder.

Many of us have heard about Autism, also knows as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some have a family member, a friend, or know someone who has ASD. Increasingly it is becoming a more common disability. “Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S” (Autism Speaks). Autism has no respect for gender, race, social class and or ethnicity. “Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain.” (Autism Center of Excellence) People who have autism have a lot of difficulties with social skills, communication and also will develop behavior issues. These behavior problems of an individual with autism can vary at times and can go from mild to severe. According to the Autism Science Foundation it says,” Many people with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD can vary—from gifted to severely challenged.” The causes and symptoms, as well as the diagnosis, and the treatments of autism vary.

144). Some other techniques for improving the learning experience of students with autism are structured teaching, speech and language therapy, social skills therapy, and occupational therapy. Keeping a structured and predictable schedule is imperative when instructing a child with autism. The child will also, most likely, need some specialized classes in speech as well as instruction in appropriate social interaction, as one symptom of autism is a lack of comprehension of social norms. Educators need to keep in close contact with the team responsible for the student’s educational plan and diagnostic write-up to ensure that there are no large gaps in the educational programs suggested and the ones being applied.

In this book, “Helping children with autism learn: Treatment approaches for parents and professionals” Siegel gives parents of autistic children what they need most: hope. Siegel explains that how to take an inventory of a child particular disabilities that break down the various kinds unique to autism. Many other signs and symptoms are also seen in a child suffering from autism are atypical eating, lack of intuition and less attention to social stimuli. This book has been a great help in the research as it explains about the key understanding of each autism case as a discrete set of learning disabilities, each of which must be treated individually. This book is relevant to my research as it has important documentation and papers about the conference. It provides a detailed account of the issues, at the same time, Siegel offer a new understanding and a practical, thoughtful approach that will give parents a new hope.

The topic I chose to research for the final project of this quarter is Autism, this paper is geared towards early childhood educators, children and families who are coping with ASD. I have included resources for children and their families, and also included strategies and ideas in working with young children with ASD in the classroom. Starting, with the definition of Autism, which is also called Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Autism is a developmentally disability that involves delays within, speech, social skills, language and behavior. Children left untreated with ASD, can suffer from not developing social skills and may not learn to behave appropriately, very few children recover completely from autism without any intervention. There are a wide variety of treatment options that can be very helpful for children and their families with ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorder impacts the nervous system, common symptoms include difficulty with communication, social interactions, obsessive interest and repetitive behaviors. Early interventions, behavioral, educational, and family therapies can help reduce symptoms and support development and learning. Early signs of autism spectrum disorders may consist of, the ability to read at an early age but often without understanding what it means, may not cry if in pain or seem to have any fear, may be very sensitive or not sensitive at all to smells, sounds,

Every case of autism is different. Symptoms and behaviors vary in severity and often change over time, thus, the method of treatment is specialized to the needs of that child or adult. It is said that early diagnosis can help these individuals develop to their full potential as the primary goal of treatment is to improve their overall ability to function. Individuals with autism positively respond to highly structured treatments that help improve communication, social, behavioral, and learning aspects of their lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that strategies such as; specialized therapies, behavioral training and management, medicines, and community support and parent training are the best ways to help individuals with

It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning.” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014) Also, individuals with ASD may be susceptible for sensory overload. Since communication and interactions with others is a necessity in schools, students with Autism need assistance in coping with this disorder. Methods of intervention will be discussed in the paper. One of those methods is the use of

Autism: Helping Autistic Children Find Their Voice, is essentially about spreading more awareness about the condition. Autism is a misunderstood condition especially when it comes to knowing exactly how to cater to Autistic people in everyday settings such as in school or at home. This book goes into the symptoms that are associated with the condition, as well as common myths and misconceptions that are ultimately hovered over those dealing with Autism. It also discusses the pros and cons of current treatments and therapies available to these individuals. As I begin reading this book I hope to gain a deeper insight into this condition, so that I will be able to have more empathy and be better equipped to support those with Autism.

A physical therapist addresses different disorders associated with the disease, focusing on developing specific goals for a particular child or even an adult. The physical therapist will first access the diagnosed individual and develop a plan based on response to the evaluation. During the evaluation the therapist may observe postural strength and control, functional mobility, which is just walking or running. As each visit passes the physical therapist will make sure the patient is meeting the goals set during the evaluation. Some examples of goals might be, improve participation in daily activities, and develop better coordination and balance for those set activities. On top of those other things increasing fitness and stamina, making the patient more confident in their ability, which allows them not to feel so isolated. These in implications may not completely cure the issues that someone with autism has, but it may be a bridge to helping that fine motor control for the individuals who do not engage in daily activity. Also the child who has those repetitive tendencies on walking on their toes to walk normally allowing him/her to play with the other children and not feel out of

As mentioned before there are many interventions to treat autism in children. Parent Education and Training, Social Skills Training and Speech-Language Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Music Therapy, and Sensory Integration/Occupational Therapy are some of the most commonly used therapies. However, this study will focus only on applied behavior analysis (ABA) and music therapy and the benefits when they are used together.

Treatment for autism is usually a very intensive, comprehensive undertaking that involves the child’s entire family and, of course, a team of professionals. Some treatments may take place in your home. Some of these treatments may be based in your home with professional specialists and trained therapists or may include training for you to serve as a therapist for your child. Some programs are delivered through a specific center, classroom or preschool. It is not unusual for a family to choose to combine more than one treatment method. Many families use, specialists, family, friends and supporters. Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. There are many different treatments for ASD, the first one, Behavioral Management Therapy, tries to reinforce wanted behaviors and reduce unwanted behaviors, it also suggest what caregivers can do before, during, and after problem behaviors. Another treatment is, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, this focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. During this specific treatment specific goals will be set. The next treatment option for autistic children is Early Intervention, this program helps children gain the basic skills that they usually learn in the first two years of life, like, physical skills, thinking skills, communication skills, social skills, and emotional skills. Another treatment includes Educational and School-Based Therapies; this treatment consists of the different programs in a school environment. Joint Attention Therapy id another treatment used to treat ASD children, this therapy focuses on improving specific skills related to shared attention, such as pointing, showing and coordinating looks between an object and person. Next, Medication Treatment is used to not cure ASD, or all of its symptoms but to

Mills, C., Chapparo, C., & Hinitt, J. (2016). The impact of an in-class sensory activity

Most children are eager communicators who are determined to engage their world and the people within it. Social interaction and communication lay the foundation for learning, and help children build important life skills that are critical for development. When a child is affected by autism, these skills are usually greatly diminished, and the development of the child becomes delayed. As the number of children diagnosed with Autism increases, so does the need for new therapeutic strategies and techniques for intervention. Speech therapists have been turning to technology to help their clients communicate since the invention of the first AAC device. Individuals with autism typically prefer to

Several types of therapy are also offered to children with ASD. Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST), and Sensory Integration Therapy (SI) are three of the most used therapies by Autistic children. Occupational Therapy is the use of treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of people with a physical, mental or developmental condition (“Treatments”). Dr. Cathy Pratt, the director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, said, “Children with autism need to be taught how to play and how to act in a social situation” (Landau 51). Occupational Therapy also integrates Speech Therapy in order to help the children learn how to communicate in certain situations. Speech Therapy trains people who have trouble speaking or have speech impediments to speak or communicate