Physiotherapeutic interventions in autism with ABA management: An integrative review of the literature

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in early childhood and can generate persistent changes in communication and social interaction, as well as impaired function in restricted and repetitive behavior patterns. Physiotherapeutic interventions with management in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are being used as adjuvants in the treatment and motor developments of autistic patients. The objective of the work is to identify the main physiotherapeutic interventions in autism with ABA management. This is an integrative review of the literature carried out in accordance with the PRISMA recommendation. The searches were carried out in the electronic databases PubMED, LILACS, PEDro and SciELO. The search strategy was carried out with the following combinations “physiotherapy” AND “autism spectrum disorder” OR “Applied behavior analysis”. Data access and analysis took place in November 2023. In the initial search, a total of 159 articles were identified: 151 in PubMED, 3 in LILACS, 2 in SciELO and 3 in PEDro. 157 articles were selected for summary reading, 8 articles were read in full and only 6 articles were selected for qualitative analysis and data discussion. As a result, the main physiotherapeutic interventions most used in autistic patients were kinesiotherapy with strength, coordination and balance exercises, as well as hippotherapy, virtual reality and aquatic physiotherapy. Performing physiotherapy with ABA management is extremely important for better motor performance and adherence to treatment, although association research has been scarce.

Keywords: Autism. Physiotherapy intervention. ABA. Neurodevelopmental Disorders.