What is the significance of a child standing on one foot? What is its relationship to autism? | family
Research suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significant difficulties with balance skills, such as standing on one leg. Studies show that these people show greater instability in their balance compared to their non-affected peers. According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism spectrum disorder affects multiple areas, including communication, behavior, and the ability to control movement.
Although suboptimal motor skills are not considered a core feature of autism spectrum disorder, clinicians and researchers are well aware of the motor deficits in autism spectrum disorder.
Autism and developmental coordination disorder
There is a close relationship between autism spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyskinesia. Research indicates that children with it face difficulties in coordinating movements, which negatively affects their social interaction and participation in physical activities. In a study published in the “Journal of Childhood Disorders” in 2017, it was confirmed that children with autism spectrum disorder have fewer fine motor skills than those without the condition, which leads to reduced opportunities for them to play and participate in group activities.
Understanding motor difficulties
Motor difficulties relate to the interaction between the senses and motor planning. Research has shown that information processing is affected at all of these levels in children with autism. Standing upright, for example, is a basic motor skill that requires precise postural control to maintain balance. According to a study in the Journal of Research in Child Development (2019), postural control is a complex process that involves the integration of sensory information from the eyes, inner ear, and muscles.
The process of maintaining balance requires the integration of sensory information and the interaction of different areas of the brain, such as the motor cortex and cerebellum. A previous study published in the Journal of Neuroscience (2016) showed that children with autism tend to put uneven weight on one leg, indicating challenges in processing sensory information and motor planning.
Individual variation in performance
Not all children with autism show significant difficulties standing on one leg. The manifestations of autism spectrum disorder vary from one individual to another, and younger children may naturally struggle with this skill. In a study published in the “Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry” (2018), the importance of exercise and training was emphasized to improve balance skills in children with autism, as behavioral interventions showed positive results in improving motor performance.
The ideal duration for standing on one leg
The ideal duration of standing on one leg varies depending on the age group:
Children (3-12 years):
Preschoolers (3-5 years) can stand for 5-10 seconds.
Older children
(6-12 years old) They can reach 15-30 seconds.
Teenagers and adults:
30 seconds to one minute is considered a good standard, according to a study published in the Journal of Sports Psychology (2020).
These standards are general guidelines, and it should be taken into account that individual capabilities may vary. It is recommended to practice balance exercises regularly to improve this skill and enhance general health.
Balance difficulties are an important part of the experience of children with autism spectrum disorder. By understanding these challenges and providing appropriate support, their quality of life can be improved and their social and physical skills enhanced.
