Lauren McDougallJun 272 min read
Physical symptoms of Autism
and is Exercise Physiology 'reasonable and necessary'?
A common thing we hear is the misconception that Autism does not have physical symptoms, and that therefore, Exercise Physiology is not necessary or beneficial.
Exercise Physiology is not just for general fitness purposes, it’s therapeutic movement.
We provide a clinical, capacity-building intervention that is directly linked to the disability-related functional limitations related to Autism.
The physical symptoms and their association with Autism are well documented in the literature, yet they are often overlooked. They may not be ‘core’ symptoms but they’re real & they impact day-to-day.
Three common physical symptoms associated with Autism are low muscle tone (hypotonia), difficulties with coordination and motor skills (dyspraxia) and sensory-motor integration dysfunction.
Low muscle tone / Hypotonia
Low muscle tone is neurological in nature & refers to reduced muscle tension.
It can impact gross motor development & coordination, create joint instability, increase fatigue
(mental & physical), contribute to poor posture, core and stabilising muscles (the foundation for
movement!) and decrease muscle strength & power which can impact functional movements.
How does Exercise Physiology help?
• Increases muscle strength & control to compensate for low tone
• Builds muscular endurance to reduce fatigue
• Stabilises joints & improve balance
• Re-educates the neuromuscular system for better precision
• Enhances posture and functional movement
• Increases body awareness and stimulate sensory pathways to improve engagement of
muscles that are underactive
Dyspraxia / Coordination and Motor skill difficulties
Dyspraxia affects a person’s ability to plan, coordinate, & execute movements.
This can have profound implications for independence, confidence & participation.
It’s not due to weakness, but rather how the brain sequences & sends movement instructions to the body.
How does Exercise Physiology help?
• Improves timing, sequencing, & coordination
• Promotes brain adaptation through repetition & feedback
• Teaches motor planning through
• stepwise, structured movement
• Improves proprioception & body awareness
• Develops gross and fine motor skills
• Builds confidence
Sensory-Motor Integration dysfunction
Sensory-motor integration dysfunction is when the brain has difficulty processing & coordinating
sensory input (what we feel, see, hear, etc.) with motor output (our physical movements).
This means the body may not respond appropriately to sensory information,
which can lead to difficulties with balance, coordination, posture, and movement planning.
How does Exercise Physiology help?
• Provides targeted sensory input (proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile)
• Reinforces movement through repetition and rhythm
• Strengthens core motor patterns via resistance and balance
• Improves motor planning through structured task training
• Enhances visual-motor integration
Lauren McDougall June 4 2026
Why movement matters more than you think (especially for kids)
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is moving enough, you’re not alone.
For many families, “movement” can start to feel like another thing to keep up with—sports, activities, getting outside more, limiting screen time. It can quickly become something that feels like it needs more time, more energy, and more structure than you realistically have.
But movement doesn’t have to look like that.
In fact, some of the most meaningful movement for kids happens in simple, everyday ways.
Movement is more than just exercise
When we think about movement, it’s easy to picture organised sport or structured activities. But for children, movement is much broader than that.
It can look like:
- Playing in the backyard
- Dancing in the living room
- Climbing, jumping, rolling, exploring
- Walking to the car or helping carry groceries
- Getting up and down off the floor
These small, natural movements are not just “filling time”—they’re how children build the foundations for how their bodies feel and function.
It supports more than just physical health
Movement isn’t only about keeping kids “fit” or active.
It plays a role in:
- Energy levels – helping kids feel more alert and less sluggish
- Mood and emotions – supporting regulation and reducing restlessness
- Focus and attention – especially for younger children
- Confidence – as they learn what their bodies can do
Often, when a child is struggling with energy, focus, or behaviour, movement is one of the simplest places to start.
It doesn’t have to be perfect
One of the biggest barriers families face is the idea that movement needs to be done “properly” to count.
The reality is, it doesn’t.
Short bursts of movement throughout the day can be just as valuable as longer, structured sessions. There’s no need for perfect routines or high levels of motivation—especially in busy seasons of life.
What matters most is creating regular opportunities for movement in a way that fits your family.
What this can look like in real life
For many families, it’s not about adding more—it’s about noticing what’s already possible.
That might be:
- Letting kids play on the floor instead of always sitting on the couch
- Encouraging a quick game or movement break between activities
- Walking short distances where you can
- Building small moments of movement into your usual routines
These small shifts often feel more manageable—and are more likely to stick.
A gentle reminder
If things have felt a bit sedentary lately, that’s okay.
Routines change, life gets busy, and energy comes and goes. Movement doesn’t need to be all or nothing.
Starting small, and keeping things simple, is often what makes the biggest difference over time.
If you’re feeling unsure how movement fits into your child’s day, or where to start, support is there to help you find an approach that feels manageable for your family.
📞 0431 048 684
✉️ [email protected]
📍 307 Payneham Road, Royston Park SA 5070
Golden Grove - Payneham - Marden - Ridgehaven