Top 5 Exercise for Autistic Kids: Improve Neurodevelopmental Disorders

August 15, 2022

Does any child around you struggle with poor motor coordination or postural imbalance? Has he/she been diagnosed with Autism? If so, physiotherapy can help that person in enhancing motor functions by using proper exercise programs. An exercise program can be implemented to improve an autistic child’s motor skills, posture, and confidence. By having access to such physiotherapy exercises, the child can easily improve their posture, hand-eye coordination, and strength. In this blog, we have listed a few exercises that children with neuropsychiatric illnesses can follow to improve their motor skills, sense of self-efficacy, and physical fitness.



Here are the Top 5 exercises that are proven to be beneficial

Mirror Exercises

Difficulty engaging with others, or the environment is a common feature of autism. Mirror exercises encourage the child to imitate what another person does, which helps to increase their coordination, self-awareness, and social skills.


  1. Child stands with hands by the side. Face towards the partner.
  2. The partner tries to make small movements for the child and pursue them to repeat the same.
  3. Start with small movements like moving your hands in circles and then progressing to more complex patterns.
  4. When ready, ask the child to mimic the partner’s movement as if they are looking at themselves in the mirror.
  5. Continue this exercise for 1-2 minutes. Try incorporating other body parts such as the head, trunk, and legs. Repeat 3-5 times



Arm Circles

A study that was published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found that movements similar to those exhibited by autistic people may aid in giving the body the feedback it requires. This may reduce repetitive behaviors such as arm flapping or clapping This may reduce repetitive behaviors such as arm flapping or clapping. Arm circles are a great upper-body exercise that helps increase flexibility and strength in the shoulders and back and can be done anywhere without any equipment.

 

  1. Child stands with feet shoulder-width apart, arms by the side.
  2. Extend arms straight out to the side at shoulder height.
  3. Start making small circles with the hands, keeping the arms straight.
  4. Gradually make the circles bigger and bigger, creating the movement from the shoulders.
  5. Repeat 20 times, then repeat in other direction.



Bear Crawls

Bear crawls promote the growth of body awareness, enhance motor planning and coordination, and strengthen the upper and trunk of the body.


  1. Child starts by kneeling on all fours, with hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
  2. Extend legs until slightly bent. Spread fingers wide to have optimal contact with the floor.
  3. Walk using feet and hands across the floor for approximately 10-20 feet.
  4. Maintain this position and walk backward in the same position.
  5. When the person becomes comfortable, progression can be done in distance, speed, and direction.



Star Jumps

Jumping exercises are excellent full-body workouts that help strengthen the legs and core, develop body awareness, and improve cardiovascular endurance. Star jumps are simple exercises that can be done anywhere and can be done one at a time or in multiple repetitions


  1. Child begins in a squatting position with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms tucked in toward the chest.
  2. Quickly jump up from squatting, extending arms and legs wide into an X.
  3. On landing, return to starting position with arms and legs tucked in. Repeat for up to 20 repetitions or until fatigued.


Medicine Ball Slams

Throwing weighted objects like medicine balls, can help strengthen the core, balance, and coordination. It may also have therapeutic benefits and can stimulate the brain centers in charge of short-term memory.


  1. Child begins in a standing position, holding a medicine ball in both hands.
  2. Raise the ball up overhead with straight arms.
  3. Slam the ball down to the ground with as much force as possible.
  4. Bend at the knees to pick up the ball and repeat the movement 20 times.



Physiotherapy can be a key intervention in the treatment of motor difficulties for patients with Autism. Well Rehab Physiotherapy provides a wide range of physiotherapy services to our patients. If your child has any problems with motor functions due to autism, you can consult our expert Physiotherapists at any of our branches at Well Rehab Physiotherapy.


As Malaysia's leading provider of physiotherapy services, we are the preferred, qualified, and certified professionals that are trusted nationwide.


For more information about our therapies or services in Malaysia, you may contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

Prioritizing Mental Health: A Key to Enhancing Productivity and Profitability in the Workplace

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
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