Individuals on the autism spectrum often have problems with fine and gross motor skills. Children may have low muscle tone and/or poor coordination. Such delays can negatively impact day-to-day functioning and will most likely interfere with not only physical development, but social development as well.
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An individual on the autism spectrum may benefit from physical therapy if he/she has any of the following characteristics: muscle stiffness, delay in obtaining motor milestones, poor balance and coordination, muscle weakness, and postural abnormalities.
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Locate a service provider
Questions To Ask Your Provider:
- What are your credentials? Only master’s degree and doctoral degree programs are accredited, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Physical therapists need a master’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program and a State license, requiring passing scores on national and state examinations. 3
- What experience do you have working with individuals on the autism spectrum?
- Do you have a list of references I can contact?
- How do you diagnose or determine that physical therapy will be helpful for my child? What assessments are used?
- How often and how long are the sessions?
- How much does a session cost?
- Will therapy be done individually or in a group?
- How long will my child require physical therapy?
- Will I be present during the therapy? Is there a place for me to observe?
- How will the results be measured? Will we receive written reports or updates?
- Describe a typical session.
- Will you work with my child in our home?
- What is our family’s role in this proces? What activities/exercises might we be expected to do at home?
- What if I want to stop this therapy? Are there any contracts? 4,5
1 About.com: Autism, “Physical Therapy and Autism: The Basics,” 18 August 2007. see website (24 November 2008)
2 National Autism Association, “Physical Therapy” n.d. see website (24 November 2008)
3 U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition” (18 December 2007) see website (24 November 2008)
4 Education Specialists Network.com, “Specific Questions To Ask Physical Therapist,” n.d. see website (24 November 2008)
5 Geneva Centre for Autism: Where hope takes wing, “Questions to Ask When Considering Any Service for your Child,” n.d.see website (24 November 2008)