Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is most often associated with social and communication differences. Still, it also affects how a person moves, processes sensory information, and interacts with the physical world. That’s where Physiotherapy can play a valuable role.

While Physiotherapy is often associated with sports injuries or post-surgery rehab, it’s also a key support for people with autism, helping to improve coordination, motor skills, balance, and independence in daily life.

At Bloom Healthcare, our Physiotherapists work with children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum, delivering tailored, strengths-based support grounded in respect, patience, and practical outcomes.

Why Might Someone with Autism Need Physiotherapy?

Autism is a spectrum, and every individual’s needs are unique. But many autistic people experience physical or sensory challenges that impact their ability to participate in everyday activities.

Some common areas where Physiotherapy can help include:

• Low muscle tone (hypotonia), leading to floppy movements or poor endurance

• Poor coordination or balance – affecting walking, jumping, or catching a ball

• Delayed gross motor milestones in childhood, such as crawling or riding a bike

• Toe-walking or unusual movement patterns

• Sensitivity to touch, movement, or body awareness (proprioception)

• Difficulty with posture, fatigue, or sitting for long periods

• Limited participation in group sports, playground activities, or PE

Physiotherapy is not about changing how a person moves to “fit in” – it’s about supporting strength, confidence, and functional movement in ways that work for them.

What Does Physiotherapy for Autism Look Like?

Physiotherapy sessions are always personalised to each individual’s needs, sensory preferences, and goals. For some, therapy might focus on basic motor skills. For others, it may be about improving posture, building stamina, or developing confidence in movement.

At Bloom Healthcare, Physiotherapy is built around the person, not the diagnosis.

Here’s how our approach works:

• Movement assessments tailored for neurodivergent clients (low-pressure, flexible, and respectful)

• Play-based or interest-led sessions for children, using games and props to build engagement

• Motor planning support for children who struggle to sequence and control body movements

• Balance and coordination training that’s functional, like riding a scooter, climbing stairs, or walking safely

• Strategies for managing fatigue or improving posture in school or at work

• Sensory-based movement to help regulate arousal, anxiety, or restlessness

Every session focuses on practical outcomes. That could mean helping a child climb confidently at the playground or helping a teenager build the endurance needed for part-time work.

How Physiotherapy Supports Sensory Processing

Many autistic individuals experience sensory processing differences, which means their brain interprets movement, touch, sound, and body position differently.

Physiotherapists can help by:

• Supporting proprioception (body awareness) through movement and resistance

• Introducing vestibular activities (balance-based movement) to improve coordination and reduce anxiety

• Assisting individuals to recognise when they’re under- or overstimulated

• Working with occupational therapists to create sensory diets or movement breaks that support regulation

For example, a child who struggles to sit still at school might benefit from short, structured movement activities that help them refocus. An adult experiencing clumsiness or fatigue might benefit from posture and gait training, supporting safer community movement.

Physiotherapy and Communication

Even though Physiotherapy is movement-based, it’s also deeply relational. At Bloom Healthcare, we adjust our communication to meet each client’s needs—whether they use spoken language, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), or non-verbal cues.

We also work closely with families, carers, teachers, and other therapists to ensure strategies are consistent and accessible.

For clients who are anxious in unfamiliar environments or struggle with transitions, we can offer:

• Visual schedules and social stories

• Sessions in-home or in familiar settings

• Gradual exposure and flexible session structures

We don’t expect clients to change who they are. We adapt the therapy to suit who they already are.

NDIS and Funding for Physiotherapy for Autism

Physiotherapy is a recognised support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and may be funded under categories such as:

• Improved Daily Living

• Improved Health and Wellbeing

• Core Supports (for some community-based services)

At Bloom Healthcare, we’re a registered NDIS provider and can support participants with:

• Initial assessments

• Ongoing therapy sessions

• Functional capacity reports

• Coordination with other allied health professionals (e.g. OT, psychology, speech)

Physiotherapy can be a valuable part of an NDIS plan, whether the goal is increasing independence, building fitness, or reducing injury risk.

Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan: Kids, Teens, and Adults

Children

Early Physiotherapy can support motor development, help with play and exploration, and build the foundations for independence in dressing, bathing, or school participation. Play-based sessions make therapy feel fun, not forced.

Teenagers

Physiotherapy for autistic teens may focus on posture, social participation (like sport or recreation), fatigue management, or developing confidence to access the community more independently.

Adults

Physiotherapy can assist adults with long-term movement challenges, chronic pain, physical fitness, workplace participation, and building stamina for daily living. This is especially important for autistic adults who were never offered therapy as children.

Why Choose Bloom Healthcare for Autism Support?

At Bloom Healthcare, we don’t treat diagnoses—we support people. Our Physiotherapists work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, which means you get more than one set of eyes on a challenge and coordinated, consistent support.

We regularly work alongside:

• Occupational therapists (for sensory and daily living support)

• Speech pathologists (to support communication during therapy)

• Psychologists and behaviour practitioners (for emotional and behavioural goals)

We offer services in-home, in the community, or via telehealth—whichever environment works best for the individual. Our goal is always to support participation, wellbeing, and quality of life, without ever asking someone to be anything other than themselves.

Explore our physiotherapy services here:
https://bloom-healthcare.com.au/services/physiotherapy

Physiotherapy isn’t just about muscles and joints. For people with autism, it can be a powerful support for movement, balance, sensory regulation, confidence, and everyday independence.

Physiotherapy offers strategies that make a real difference, whether it’s helping a child learn to ride a bike, a teen join a sports team, or an adult build physical capacity for work or home life.

At Bloom Healthcare, we meet each individual where they are and support them to grow, move, and thrive in ways that honour who they are.