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Perceptions of Pediatric Physical Therapists on Physical Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Sabratha
Najla Mustafa Asaiah
Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy, Higher Institute
of Medical Professions, Sabratha
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6791-982X
Abstract
Background: Physical therapy is now a common
part of treatment programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
These programs aim to help children function better and enjoy a higher quality
of life. However, very few studies have asked pediatric physical therapists in
developing countries especially in Libya what they believe about how well
physical therapy works.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional
survey was conducted among 40 pediatric physical therapists working at Sabratha
Teaching Hospital and Al-Allaqa Polyclinic. I asked the therapists to fill out
a questionnaire I made. It was divided into three domains. The first domain was
about cognitive and social skills. The second was about motor and muscular
skills. The third was about daily living skills. To analyze my data, I used
descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation to see how each question
matched up with the overall scores in each domain.
Results: We saw strong positive
correlations in every part of my questionnaire. I looked at all my numbers. The
strongest link I saw was between physical therapy and motor skills that gave me
r = 0.977. Here's what I found: daily living skills had the strongest link (r =
0.980). Then came communication and social interaction (r = 0.950). And
physical therapy also helped with hyperactivity that was r = 0.956. Almost
every therapist I surveyed strongly agreed that physical therapy really helps
children with ASD. They told me it makes a clear difference in movement,
independence, social play, and daily tasks.
Conclusion:
From what these 40 physical
therapists told me, physical therapy is a key part of helping children with
autism. The therapists I surveyed believe it does a lot of good it helps kids move better, do things on their
own, join in with others, and live a better life overall.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder;
Physical Therapy; Pediatric Rehabilitation; Motor Skills; Social Skills;
Activities of Daily Living; Early Intervention.