PSIG Event: "Autism Moves"
Thursday, April 07, 2022, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM MDT
Category: SIG Events
“Autism Moves”: The Impact of Gross Motor Ability in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and What We Can Do to Optimize Health, Participation, and Overall Quality of LifeJoin the APTA Colorado Pediatric SIG for this virtual event. When: Thursday, April 7, 2022 | 6:30pm MT As of December 2021, 1 in 44 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a complex, multidimensional, neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication skills and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Most research and interventional strategies have historically been focused on these two areas, despite motor impairment being a documented co-morbid feature of ASD for many years. Qualitative research shows that both parents and primary care providers do not view motor impairments as a priority, and even some Physical Therapists report being unsure of their role in the management of children with ASD. However, there is mounting evidence that motor impairments are not only highly prevalent in children with ASD, but also contribute to the aforementioned deficits in social communication and behavior, as well as poorer health outcomes, such as obesity, decreased function, participation, and overall quality of life. This presentation will highlight the ways in which documented motor impairments, such as decreased coordination and motor planning, impaired balance, generalized weakness/hypotonia and abnormal gait patterns lead to decreased function and participation in children with ASD. This presentation will also discuss what we can do as parents, teachers, advocates, and health care providers to promote improved health outcomes and optimize function and participation, thereby improving overall quality of life for this population of children.
Cost: FREE (Suggested Donation to APTA Colorado Pediatric SIG of $10.00) Click Here to Register |