Postural balance in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Purpose: to characterize the performance of children with autism spectrum disorders in two postural balance assessment scales. Methods: an observational cross-sectional study with a descriptive, analytical profile. Seven to 11-year-old children with mild autism spectrum disorder, diagnosed by an interdisciplinary team, according to the DSM-5, were assessed. The protocols used were the Sensory Organization Test and Pediatric Balance Scale. Results: all the children obtained maximum performance in the Sensory Organization Test. As for the Pediatric Balance Scale, the participants had similar responses in 8 out of its 14 items; in the other 6, there was a standard deviation. Conclusion: the participants did not have difficulties performing the Pediatric Balance Scale and Sensory Organization Test, scoring quite close to the maximum value.

Quantitative Assessment of Sensory Integration and Balance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Cross-Sectional Study

“…Moreover, empirical evidence suggested that increased postural sway in ASD children was caused in part by the impaired integration of vestibular, somatosensory, and visual signals [4]. The study of Cordeiro et al [30] concluded that autistic children did not have difficulty executing the pediatric balance scale and sensory organization test and received scores near to the maximum. According to the examination using these tests, ASD children did not have postural balance problems.…”