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Toe Walking and Autism
Why do some autistic children toe walk? It is a common misconception that toe walking is only a result of an injury to the foot. This is not always true and toe walking in autistic children can be caused by many factors, such as sensory processing disorder and motor planning difficulties. In this blog post we will discuss possible reasons for toe-walking in autistic children, including tips on how to manage it!
Tips on toe-walking in autistic children:
- Always consult with your doctor before trying to correct toe walking. There are some cases where toe walking is a result of an injury to the foot, so it is important that you have this ruled out first! If there are no injuries present and toe walking continues, please read below for tips on how to manage toe walking.
- Is walking on toes a sign of autism? No, toe walking is not an indicator that your child has autism or even sensory processing disorder. It may be considered as one of the symptoms for these conditions but it can also occur in children who are neurotypical (or without any sort of brain development issues). This is an indepth resource for toe walking and autism.
- Most toe walkers have low muscle tone, so you will want to provide them with adequate support when walking. Wearing supportive shoes and using a toe pad can help your child feel the ground beneath their feet (and it looks pretty cute too). You can also try modifying or reducing activities that require lot of jumping or running as toe walkers are usually not very stable when jumping or running, which can lead to toe walking.
- For some children who toe walk have motor planning difficulties that cause them to toe walk even in the comfort of their own homes! If this is the case with your child they will benefit from physical therapy sessions where they learn how to improve balance and reduce toe walking.
- If toe walking persists, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can provide assistance in learning how to walk correctly. It is important that toe walking is managed early on before it turns into an even bigger problem!
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5 Fun and Engaging Hobbies for Children with Autism
Many children with autism have difficulty engaging in social activities. This is often due to sensory sensitivities, so they may prefer quieter hobbies if given the choice. Here are five of our favorite hobby ideas for children on the spectrum!
1) Dance- Most children with autism enjoy movement, and this is a great way to exercise. You can also put on some music and make it fun by incorporating different types of dances like ballet, jazz, or even hip hop.
2) Puzzles- Most kids love puzzles because they are engaging but not too challenging. Puzzles are also good for the cognitive development of the brain, which most children with autism struggle with.
3) Playing games- A lot of kids with autism struggle with transitioning very well from one task to another. This causes frustration for both them and their parents. One way to help ease that transition is by playing board games or card games before starting an activity or lesson plan
4) Collecting things- Some children with autism really enjoy collecting things, like rocks or coins. These hobbies can lead to a job in the future if they become too expensive for you to keep buying them!
5) Crafts are always great activities for all kinds of children, but they are especially great for kids with autism. Crafts allow children to create something with their hands and use their imagination. This helps release any pent up extra energy or anxiety they may have, as well as teaches them the necessary skills for things like reading and writing.
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Understanding Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone) in Autistic Children
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can affect children in many different ways. One of the most common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder is hypotonia - or low muscle tone. Hypotonia manifests itself as floppiness and general weakness in the muscles, making it difficult to move quickly, maintain balance, hold objects steadily, or speak clearly. This article will explore what causes hypotonia in autistic children and how it can be treated at home.
What are the early signs of hypotonia in autistic children?
The early signs of hypotonia in autistic children include a lack of muscle tone, over-sensitivity to touch, and an inability to perform repetitive movements. Hypotonia is a condition that affects motor skills causing a delay in muscle growth and development. It can also cause muscles to become less strong and easily fatigued with activity.
There are several types of hypotonia such as focal or generalized. Generalized hypotonia affects the whole body while focal dyspraxia only affects areas of the body but not all.
Treatments for Hypotonia in Autistic Children
The treatments that are available for hypotonia in autistic children vary depending on the severity of the condition, other medical conditions, and any co-existing disorders. The medications or physical therapy prescribed will depend on what effect they have on hypotonia in autistic children as well as how common it is among those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Disabilities caused by hypotonia can range from speech problems to difficulty swallowing food which makes understanding these interventions necessary so parents know when treatment may work for their child.
There are four types of medication that can be used to treat hypertonia in autistic children: antipsychotics such as risperidone; benzodiazepines like diazepam; anticonvulsants such as valacyclovir and carbamazepine, or other drugs like the antihistamine cetirizine. Physical therapy is generally used to help with hypotonia in autistic children by focusing on strengthening muscles that have weak tone due to a lack of use over time.
Online Resources for Parents with Autistic Children
There are many great online resources for parents with autistic children. One of these resources is the Interactive Autism Network. This organization provides research-based information to help parents understand their child's condition and offers a variety of programs for children with autism.
Another resource for understanding more about hypotonia in autistic children is found at the Your Autism Game Plan website in this article about hypotonia or low muscle tone in autistic children. The website contains many great videos by a nurse practitioner, Joya Van Der Laan, a Chicago area health care professional. This particular article features an excellent video by Joya and addresses the early signs of hypotonia and how mitochondria health plays a role. This website is a great resource.
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Welcome to Autism Help 411
Autism Help 411 is a resource for parents with children who have been diagnosed with autism. The site provides resources on treatments, therapies, and interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
We look forward to walking this journey with you and helping you to find ways to help your child.
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