Physical Therapy For Autism: 9 Benefits

Here are the main benefits of physical therapy for kids with autism.

Steven Zauderer

August 4, 2025

Physical Differences In Children With Autism

Motor Skills at 14 months

In a little over a year, young kids with autism exhibit development at a slower rate than their peers. This includes physical development as well. In one study, it was found that kids with ASD reach maturity in different motor patterns over short and long periods.

Control of posture

Autistic children often have problems keeping their physical balance in check. Stability and postural control in the lower portions of their body can turn simple activities into very difficult feats.

This can include walking, standing, or even sitting down in certain stances. Researchers learned that postural control didn't increase in some kids until they become preteens.

Clumsiness

Dyspraxia is a term used for clumsiness. It's often associated with multiple developmental and behavioral disorders, with ASD being one of them. Numerous studies show that motor skills and confidence in movement in kids with ASD are low and learned at a slower rate than in other children.

Motor imitation and gestures

Difficulty in communication is common among children with ASD. Things like physical gestures needed for expression and reading body language become bothersome, sometimes to the point of frustration and tantrums.

How Does Physical Therapy Help Kids With Autism?

Physical therapy is one of the numerous treatments that autistic clients rely upon to mitigate their symptoms.

Although there is no cure for autism, it can be treated to the point of symptoms becoming rare or almost nonexistent. Physical therapy is prescribed based on the severity of a patient's symptoms. A therapist evaluates their motor skill impairments.

Additionally, physical therapy assists in the following:

Helps in the acquisition of new ways for movement
Helps improve an everyday routine at school and home
Enhanced and less risky skills during playtime
Improves coordination levels
Better stamina and overall fitness
Boosts motor imitation abilities

Physical therapists assist kids by increasing their physical well-being. It uses a range of motion and coordination exercises. Such exercises can be performed at home or when visiting therapy centers.

Physical Therapy For Autism

Early development

When it comes to young kids, a therapist can help boost their coordination skills.

The treatment, for instance, might include ways to help them walk more safely, how to appropriately use stairs, and other essential maneuvers.

Many physical therapists assist kids in creating a routine, safely finding their way through various boundaries, and grounding them in ordinary physical interaction with other kids.

Autism can be predicted by studying delays in the early development of a child. It's strongly recommended by parents to report symptoms immediately when they're noticed.

However, regular visits with a pediatrician are often the way parents find out, as they're better trained on what to look out for.

Many physical therapists work closely with different guardians and parents.

They aim to boost children's abilities in getting through daily routines, ones they find challenging.

A physical therapist helps children to grow movement skills that are appropriate for their age. This is done through the teaching of structured activities, which allows them to take on knowledge through the routine.

They help to raise the strength level and coordination of children, Treatment plans consist of getting kids to walk in a better and more organized way, which also includes stairways. Most therapists consider imitation skills to be critical to their overall development.

While working with children, they help them carry out various actions, such as what to do when a certain song comes on that requires a rhythmic movement to be carried out. In this example, it's safe to teach in indoor and outdoor settings.

Lastly, a physical therapist offers guidance to parents and their children when taking on new routines. Eventually, the children in the session will learn enough to carry their knowledge into everyday life.

During School

While children are their primary focus, physical therapists also work closely with teachers, guardians, and parents.

Their awareness of ASD is especially important to know, as some of the work they do can travel at school and home when all parties are knowledgeable about it.

For this reason, many school staff stays in contact with physical therapists. This reduces difficulties for school kids, as those with ASD often have problems carrying out physical tasks that others their age wouldn't consider important.

One common motor skill is taught to children using a ball chair. Others may implement the use of carpet squares, hula hoops, and designated seats.

Movement breaks are recommended by therapists for teachers, especially in special needs classes.

For some with ASD, even going up a flight of stairs at school or on a bus can be demanding. Things like crowded hallways and the anxiety they feel when in such situations can all be lowered through physical therapy.

While at school, physical therapy also plays an important part in autistic children learning how to take turns, listen in class, and maintain self-control.

A physical therapist, or a teacher taught by one, may formulate plans that involve a child mimicking the movements of someone else they like, or even the teacher themselves.

During grade school, they can stay up with their peers on concepts that involve spatial awareness and coordination.

Regular physical education is crucial to this, especially for kids with special needs.

Adults with autism often work with physical therapists in the promotion of daily routines. For boosted movement, adults are typically advised to take part in different community resources. One of the most common is sports with family, friends, and workmates.

Even solitary exercise is well-suited for autistic adults, so long as it fits within the recommendation of an individual's therapist. At an older age, the focus is on the coordination of the body and recreational abilities.

With the right plan, adults can increase their ability to move in ways that may have led to stress and anxiety. These can have far-reaching positive effects, such as better performance at work, more interactive family activities, and even better employment prospects.

Why Should Kids With Autism Get Physical Therapy?

Children with autism should get physical therapy to increase their brain development and motor skills.

Physical therapists can pinpoint delays in motor abilities and performance. They work with parents, teachers, and siblings in improving daily routines outside of a therapy center.