Physiotherapy in pediatrics, often referred to as pediatric physical therapy, is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on evaluating and treating children from infancy through adolescence. The primary goal of pediatric physiotherapy is to promote optimal physical development, improve functional mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for young patients. It addresses a wide range of conditions and issues, such as developmental delays, congenital disorders, injuries, and neuromuscular or musculoskeletal problems. Pediatric physiotherapists use age-appropriate techniques, exercises, and interventions to help children reach their full physical potential and lead healthy, active lives. This field plays a crucial role in supporting children with disabilities or impairments, ensuring they can participate in everyday activities and reach important developmental milestones. Many children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficits Hyperactivity Disorder experience difficulties with their motor skills and capabilities including problems with their coordination and may often appear physically clumsy in addition to the sensory, social-emotional and behavioural difficulties. Children with ASD or ADHD may achieve early gross motor milestones such as sitting, crawling and independent walking as per expected time frame, but the quality of their movements may be immature or stereotypical when compared with their peers. These early motor skills provide the foundations for the development of later motor skills which require more refined and sophisticated movement control. As a result, children with ASD or ADHD may struggle to master higher level motor skills such as ball skills, skipping, riding a bike, balancing and hopping. These skills impact the child’s overall participation in peer and community activities, which subsequently will affect their overall development.
