Autism and ADHD : Truth about How Therapy Transforms the Lives of Children

Introduction

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism and Attention deficient hyperactive syndrome (ADHD) is the rising the rising concerns in paediatrics population. So, what is autism? Autism spectrum disorder together with autism functions as one of the many known challenges that impact social skills and repetitive actions and speech patterns and nonverbal communication. The symptoms of ADHD necessitate medical attention because patients show signs of impulsivity with their hurried actions and excessive hyperactivity inappropriate for their situations as well as inattention preventing them from maintaining focus.

The 2023 publication in Journal of Population Therapeutics Clinical Pharmacology presents “INVESTIGATING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN  CHILDREN WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS AT A DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT SERVICE.” The study included 232 children between ages 3–12 and researchers observed 40% of the girls (n=93) but 60% of the boys (n=139) were affected by neurodevelopmental anomalies. Thirty-two percent of children presented with Specific Learning Disabilities (n=47) followed by ADHD at 22.84% (n=53) followed by ASD at 27.16% (n=63). DOI: 10.53555/jptcp.v30i19.3807 is the research article.

Several obstacles were brought up by the upbringing concern, but the assessment and treatment protocols used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists are the main subject of this article.

Assessment Protocols

1. Gathering Information for (Autism and ADHD)

On the basis of observation, family, medical, psychological and educational history should be included of a screening for autism and ADHD patients in order to determine any variables that may assess the person’s developmental history, behaviours, and challenges. The history of development to determine the onset of distinct traits, criteria, and behaviours.

2. Questionnaire and Rating scales

Therapists should assess the child by using the following scales:

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) for autism.
• Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS) for ADHD.
• The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) for ADHD.

Therapist Equipment

The physio/occupational therapist equipment required for the treatment will be:

1. Wooden Foot Massage: A wooden foot massager can help with circulation, acupressure point stimulation, and foot pain relief.
2. Hand foot Massage: This portable wooden roller massager improves circulation, eases localised discomfort, and releases tense muscles.
3. Foam Roller: Myofascial release, stretching, and muscle healing are all aided by foam rollers.
4. Silicone Scrubbing Gloves: Good for sensory treatment and tactile stimulation.

Techniques for Sensory Therapy

1. Tactile Stimulation:

• Activates sensory receptors through vibrations, touch, and textures.
• improves sensory processing, pain management, and proprioception.

2. Techniques for Sensory Therapy:

1. Vibration therapy (with portable devices or rollers).
2. Massage with deep pressure (for soothing effects).
3. Use of Dry Brush (for sensory integration).
4. Therapy with heat and cold (to activate nerve endings).

Step by step guide to reduce Tactile Aversion

• Begin with Deep Pressure: Before applying a softer touch, use a foam roller or a weighted blanket.
• Apply Firm, Consistent Motions: Firm pressure is more bearable than light touch, which can feel overpowering and ticklish.
• Gradual Texture Exposure: Allow the kid to investigate various textures at their own speed.
• Introduce Self-contact First: Before letting someone else contact them, encourage the youngster to touch themselves with various textures.
• Pair Sensation with a Favourite Activity: To establish favourable associations, provide tactile stimulation during pleasurable activities.

Physical Therapy Exercise plan (Recommended)

1. Warm up

•  Jumping jacks: Helps you focus and burn off extra energy.
• Bear and Crab Walk: Strengthens the core and enhances coordination.
• Trampoline bouncing: Helps control energy and provide vestibular feedback.

2. Proprioception & Sensory Integration:

• Weighted wall push-ups: provide a deep pressure that has a relaxing effect.
• Balance Beam Walk: improves coordination.
• Rolling a therapy ball: controls sensory input.

3. Coordination and Strength Training:

• Step-ups on a low box: strengthens the legs and enhances coordination.
• Obstacle course: that involves climbing, jumping, and crawling.
• Animal walks (Bear walk, frog jumps, snake crawl): that works on several muscular groups.

4. Relaxation & Control of Attention:

• Rocking on a chair: provides vestibular input for self-control.
• Deep breathing while wearing a weighted blanket: improves relaxation and self-control.

Other therapies recommended for Autism and ADHD:

1. Behavioural Therapy (Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Applied Behavioural Therapy).
2. Speech therapy.
3. Music Therapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, In order to treat medical conditions including autism, ADHD, and sensory processing problems, paediatric rehabilitation through occupational and physical therapy is crucial.Therapist tools, structured exercise programs, and sensory integration strategies all significantly improve children’s motor function, coordination, and sensory responses.   By using specialised treatment plans, medical professionals can enhance a child’s overall health and quality of life.

Note: You cannot treat every patient with autism or ADHD based just on this page. The patient demonstrates a variety of symptoms, and the therapist ought to construct a treatment plan based on the on-site evaluation.

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Autism and ADHD