Cracking the Code: Autism Signs, Roots & the Role of Therapy

Autism Spectrum Disorder  is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. While each person with autism is unique, common symptoms and causes have been identified and therapies like occupational and physical therapy play a crucial role in supporting development and daily functioning.

Common Symptoms of Autism

Symptoms typically appear in early childhood and may include:

• Communication challenges (delayed speech, limited eye contact)
• Repetitive behaviors (hand-flapping, lining up objects)
• Sensory sensitivities (over- or under-reaction to lights, sounds, textures)
• Difficulty with social interactions (struggling to interpret social cues)
• Restricted interests (intense focus on specific topics)
  
  

The severity and combination of symptoms vary widely from person to person, hence the term "spectrum."

 What Causes Autism?

There is no single known cause of autism, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors:

• Genetic predisposition
• Prenatal influences
• Brain development differences
  
  

How Occupational & Physical Therapy Help

While there is no cure for autism, therapy can significantly improve quality of life. Two key approaches are:

1. Occupational Therapy (OT):
   
   

• Focuses on developing fine motor skills, self-care abilities , and sensory integration.
• Helps children adapt to environments like school and home through structured routines and play-based strategies.
  
  

1. Physical Therapy (PT):
   
   

• Targets gross motor development (walking, balance, coordination).
• Supports posture, mobility, and physical strength crucial for participating in daily activities and reducing injury risk.

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today!

 Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic therapy, located throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan can help . 

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021  Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005  Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

 In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy 

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.