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AUTISM THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOTOR SKILLSAutizam kroz razvoj motorikih sposobnosti

Silva aboABOUT:WHAT IS AUTISM?

WHAT ARE MOTOR SKILLS?

AUTISM AND MOTOR SKILLSAUTISMAutism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication, and by restricted, repetitive or stereotyped behavior.

WHAT ARE MOTOR SKILLS?The ability to physically navigate the world requires considerable skill that stems from the central nervous system. The skills include small movements, known as fine motor skills and large movements, or gross motor skills. Fine motor control is necessary for activities like writing and drawing while gross motor control is necessary for activities like walking and jumping.

SENSORY PROCESSINGSensory processing refers to the ability to register, integrate and respond to sensory input Examples: Catching a ball Walking around the classroom Social interaction

The development of the sensory systems lays the foundation for the development of motor, social and academic skills .

GROSS MOTOR SKILLSIncludes: Muscle tone Muscle strength Core/postural stability Balance Coordination Body awareness/body scheme

FINE MOTOR SKILLSIncludes: Development of hand arches Finger and thumb isolation Grasp patterns Hand strength In-hand manipulation Bilateral coordination Eye-hand coordination Tactile and proprioceptive awareness

SENSORY INEGRATION THEORYPlaces emphasis on the development of the following systems: Tactile system Proprioceptive system Vestibular system This will then have a subsequent impact on gross and fine motor skills

SENSORY MOTOR SKILLS IN AUTISMOver 90% of children with autism have sensory processing difficulties This has a direct impact on motor skills Many children with autism have low muscle tone, affecting core stability and muscle strength

ACTIVITY IDEAS... TACTILE SYSTEMMessy play Sand and water play Finger painting Tracing in trays of flour, shaving foam etc Sandpaper letters Walking barefoot on different surfaces Hiding toys in boxes of different textures (e.g. rice, lentils, polystyrene) Feelie bag

... PROPRIOCEPTIVE SYSTEMBody awareness activities Simon Says (N.B. use visuals if required) Carrying a beanbag Twister Resistance activities Pushing with body parts Pulling a rope Therabands Weightbearing activities Crawling Wheelbarrow walks Lying over an exercise ball Gymnastics Climbing

...VESTIBULAR SYSTEMTrampoline Jumping, skipping, hopping etc. Space hopper Scooter board Balance beam (or wider bench) Balance board Tall kneeling and half kneeling Bilateral activities

FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONSMany children with autism appear to ignore instructions or refuse to participate This is likely to be due to: Difficulties with receptive language Lack of clarity in tasks/unsure what is expected Distractibility

SENSORY OVERLOADReduce visual distractions Store equipment Cover resources Consider acoustics Use visual communication strategies Control noise level Volume control/traffic lights Avoid contact games Teach new activities one-to-one in a quiet area and then generalise into main group

WORKING IN PAIRS AND GROUPSNew activities should be first taught by the adult before extending into a group setting Ensure group are familiar with the visual and communication strategies Give the child a clear role in the group but rotate the roles

APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIESFor children with sensory processing difficulties: Avoid activities which require fast changing responses e.g. footballSelect sports which allow slower responses e.g. swimming, climbing

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITESSolitary activities (e.g. swimming, athletics, bowling) are recommended for children with sensory motor difficulties because: Fewer distractions so can focus on their own movements Does not require an awareness of the position and movements of others Repetitive movements which can be practised Tend to be more calming Still allow participation with othersImproves the visual attention of children

Movement Therapy is most effective because it comes to the mind over the body , and to the body through the mind .THANK YOU!!! Silva abo Frogo Centar