Image Source: rawpixel.com
Those with loved ones who have autism diagnoses may find it difficult to communicate with, touch or relate. However, these individuals have symptoms and requirements that can be challenging to understand and work around. However, those with a diagnosis have shown positive results from physical therapy. As these individuals search for physical therapy near me, this is what they should know.
Table of Contents
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
As a developmental and neurological disorder, autism spectrum disorder impacts how individuals learn, interact, communicate and behave. This disorder impacts individuals from every race and socioeconomic group. In addition, although boys are four times more likely to have an autism diagnosis, girls also have this condition. Unfortunately, this condition lasts throughout a person’s life.
Individuals with an autism diagnosis tend to experience challenges connecting with others and delays in their development. They may have difficulty with their posture, coordination and fine motor movements. They could find learning and reflecting others’ behaviors and actions difficult. They can find unexpected challenges during school as well as in their daily lives.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Those with an autism diagnosis may have several noticeable symptoms, including difficulty making eye contact. They may appear to ignore those trying to communicate with them. They could fail to respond to their names or appear slow in their response. These individuals may experience challenges having a back-and-forth conversation and may just talk about things that interest them instead of hearing or recognizing the other person’s interests or ideas. They also struggle with imaginative play and social situations.
Those with an autism diagnosis may repeat behaviors and show an interest in facts and numbers. They find schedule changes disconcerting and are sensitive to sound, clothing, others’ emotions, light and sound. Some of these individuals learn and remember specific topics for a long period of time. They can excel in math, music, art or science and tend to be auditory and visual learners.
Physical Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder
If you need physical therapy North Phoenix for a loved one, look for a clinic that specializes in techniques that focus on gross, basic and fine motor skill development and control. Much of this therapy revolves around play, but it also focuses on respiratory control, posture improvement, musculoskeletal challenges and coordination.
Therapies may include hydrotherapy and therapies that focus on walking, running, standing, rolling, sitting as well as jumping and navigating stairs. They will practice timing, sequencing, ideation and execution while they strengthen their muscles through Dance therapy is also popular.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
The goal of physical therapy for autism spectrum disorder is to give these individuals basic living and playing skills through improvements in basic motor skills, posture, strength and balance. They gain motor control and learn to play with others. They also increase their social confidence and improve their behaviors, moods and communication skills. Parents also receive education during the process.
Working and living with someone who has an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis helps their loved ones by finding reputable physical therapy Ahwatukee that specializes in play, dance and other therapies for those with autism.
Also Read: The Role of Education in Enhancing Mental Health Awareness
