The interoceptive sense perceives the physiological condition of the internal body. It includes pain, temperature, itch, affectionate touch, sensations from our organs and muscles, hunger, thirst, and air hunger. It also includes “gut” feelings such as calmness, comfort, contentment, happiness, safety, security and warmth. The exteroceptive sense perceives external stimulus outside of the body such […]
Autism published a research review on the literature regarding behavioral outcomes of exercise interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder aged less than 16 years old. Thirteen studies were included. The results indicated: exercise interventions consisting individually of jogging, horseback riding, martial arts, swimming or yoga/dance can result in improvements to numerous behavioural outcomes including stereotypic behaviours, social-emotional […]
The April 2016 issue of the Your Therapy Source Digital Magazine for Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists is now available. Read articles on pre-handwriting skills, postural control, self regulation, toe walking, activity ideas and more! Check it out below or download the free magazine at https://www.yourtherapysource.com/magazine.html
Did you know that about 90% of humans are right handed? Did you also know that research indicates a decreased degree of right-handedness in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)? In addition, other research found that children with ASD tended to have more mixed-handedness, but that those who had a definite hand preference performed better […]
Pediatrics published a large study on the relationship between delayed walking in children and the severity of intellectual disability in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) versus other non-ASD diagnoses. The study sample included 1185 individuals (ASD, n = 903; non-ASD, n = 282) who received an evaluation at age 4 to 12 years that included […]
The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published research to examine the evidence regarding motor impairment specificity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is difficult to determine if there is evidence for specificity of motor impairment within different clinical groups. For example, are certain motor impairments associated with specific diagnoses? Previous research indicates […]
Biological Psychiatry published research comparing resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans from 100 8- to 12-year-old children of which 50 had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results were analyzed and functional connectivity was estimated between visual and motor systems. Brain-behavior relationships were evaluated by regressing functional connectivity measures with social deficit […]
Research in Developmental Disabilities published an article comparing implicit versus explicit motor learning in 30 boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their age and IQ matched peers. Each children participated in a serial reaction time task (SRTT). The children were separated into different groups based on diagnosis and implicit or explicit learning for the […]
Research in Developmental Disabilities published research on secondary and post-secondary student with congenital motor disabilities. By examining a task of throwing a ball at a target, data was collected on self-regulatory aspects (i.e., goal-setting, self-efficacy and self-evaluation). Participants were divided into four subgroups: 1.) normal cognitive development and mild physical disabilities 2.)normal cognitive development and […]
At times, all children need some help to achieve big goals. Whether it be a lofty IEP goal that you inherited, a large project the student needs to complete or a complex motor skill often times it is easier to break it up into smaller, more manageable chunks. Teachers call it scaffolding and therapists […]