Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex for Balance and Stimming in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overview

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses a number of disorders specifically affecting social skills, Communication and present with Rapid repetitive behaviors. Autism spectrum disorder also presents with inability of body to process sensory information which can causes symptoms such as balance deficits, sensitivity to certain sounds or an exaggerated reaction to a normal stimulus. Autism spectrum disorder can affect the quality of life of an individual to a severe extent. This disorder due to sensory processing deficits also shows difficulty in motor planning, coordination and execution of tasks which can make performing activities of daily living highly difficult to perform. It is called a developmental disorder because it affects the growth. Milestones are often delayed in individuals with autism. Due to these deficits individual with autism if not provided with therapies at the right age can stay dependent on caretaker for their whole life. Rapid repetitive behaviors also known as self-stimulatory behaviors are a way to compensate with anxiety, difficulty in processing sensory information and are often used to stimulate themselves to feel calm. Though not a diagnostic symptom autism often still presents with vestibular dysfunction which affects the balance. Several individuals with autism have showed abnormal vestibular ocular reflexes; abnormally long latency of saccades. Rehabilitation protocol of Autism often includes symptomatic treatment and several therapy protocols such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis therapy and play therapy.

Stimming behaviors and balance deficits play a huge role in life of an individual with autism. There is indeed a huge gap and lack of literature on how or if exercise protocols from physical therapy can influence balance and reduce stimming behaviors. Although, Previous studies have recommended that Balance and stimming are directly related and that vestibular dysfunction plays a huge role in frequency of stereotyped stimming behaviors. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of Vestibulo Ocular reflex exercises on balance and frequency of stimming. This study will also influence how a physical therapist can improve quality of life of an individual with autism by reducing their stimming behavior. Earlier studies also mentioned that Vestibular ocular reflex is affected in kids with autism. Hence this study can play an important role in determining the direct connection between these behaviors, Vestibular ocular reflex and balance.