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.

Keywords:
Autistic Disorder; Vestibular Diseases; Postural Balance; Sensation Disorders; Child; Child Behavior