Physiotherapy and Autism

Written by Richard Domenic Simeoni, Doctor of Physiotherapy

April 2025

How Physiotherapy Benefits Individuals with Autism

When most people think of physiotherapy, they picture recovery from injuries, joint pain, or rehab after surgery. But physiotherapy can play a powerful role for individuals with autism too—especially when it comes to helping them move with more confidence, build body awareness, and participate in everyday activities with more independence.

As a physiotherapist with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside autistic individuals of all ages and abilities. And here’s what I want families, carers, and educators to know: movement matters—and physio can help make it easier, more enjoyable, and more functional.

Let’s take a closer look at how.

What Challenges Might an Autistic Person Experience with Movement?

While every autistic individual is unique, some common physical or movement-related challenges may include:

• Low muscle tone (also known as hypotonia)
• Poor balance or coordination
• Delayed gross motor skills (such as jumping, running, climbing)
• Walking patterns that may look a bit different (e.g. toe walking)
• Difficulty with posture or body awareness
• Sensitivity to touch, sound, or movement
• Trouble joining in physical play or sports with peers

These challenges aren’t “problems to fix”—they’re part of how someone experiences the world. But with the right support, we can build on strengths and make movement easier.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy is all about improving how someone moves, feels, and participates in life. For autistic individuals, that can mean everything from helping a child feel more confident climbing at the playground, to helping a young adult navigate busy environments safely, to supporting calm and regulation through body-based strategies.

Here’s how we help.

🔹 Improving Strength and Postural Control

Some autistic individuals may have low core strength or find it tiring to sit upright for long periods.

We focus on:
• Building up strength in the trunk, hips, and shoulders
• Supporting posture for better comfort at school or during daily tasks
• Developing endurance so everyday activities feel easier

🔹 Supporting Balance and Coordination

Balance is key to safe movement, and coordination helps with everything from walking to catching a ball.

We work on:
• Fun, game-based exercises to build balance skills
• Gross motor activities like hopping, jumping, or obstacle courses
• Navigating uneven surfaces or stairs with confidence

🔹 Helping with Body Awareness and Motor Planning

Sometimes the brain and body need help communicating clearly. This can show up as clumsy movement, needing more time to plan actions, or difficulty copying movements.

Our physio sessions help:
• Improve body awareness (“Where is my body in space?”)
• Practice sequencing actions in a way that’s achievable
• Build motor learning through repetition and play

🔹 Addressing Movement Sensitivities or Preferences

Some individuals are sensitive to certain sensations like touch, movement, or noise. Others may seek out intense movement like spinning, bouncing, or running.

We support this by:
• Creating a movement routine that feels safe and predictable
• Using activities that regulate rather than overwhelm
• Offering calming movement strategies when needed

🔹 Encouraging Participation and Independence

Whether it's joining in school sport, climbing at the park, or just walking confidently in a busy shopping centre—physio helps bridge the gap.

We focus on:
• Real-world skills for function and participation
• Gradual exposure to challenging environments (if needed)
• Collaborating with families and educators so skills transfer across settings

Physiotherapy and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

At the heart of it, physiotherapy for autistic individuals is not about changing who someone is—it’s about supporting comfort, function, and participation in a way that works for them.

That means:
• Working at the person’s pace
• Celebrating strengths, not just focusing on challenges
• Using play, movement, and connection to build trust and skill
• Collaborating with families and other support teams

Final Thoughts

Physiotherapy can be a powerful tool for autistic individuals—not just for physical development, but for confidence, independence, and everyday participation.

We’re here to help support movement in a way that feels good, builds capability, and helps individuals take part in the world on their own terms.