Review finds balance difficulties during movement in children with autism
Studies comparing children and adolescents with autism with typically developing peers described reduced stability and compensatory movements during tasks that challenge posture.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Across the reviewed studies, children with autism showed less stable postural control during dynamic tasks than their typically developing peers. They also used movements that helped compensate for shifts in body alignment. The abstract describes group-level patterns, without establishing how large the differences were or how they translate into everyday functioning.
The abstract provides no pooled effect estimate or fall-rate data. The authors identify sensory information, age, cognition and support needs as areas requiring further study.
What the review covered
The review included 13 studies. Reviewers rated 8 as having good methodological quality and 5 as fair. These ratings describe the included research; the abstract does not provide task-specific results or a quantitative summary of the differences.
What the outcome means
Dynamic postural control concerns keeping the body stable while responding to movement demands. The findings focus on stability and postural adjustments; they do not show whether any particular therapy improves balance or prevents falls.
The original publication
Dynamic Postural Control in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.
Gardinal M, Fiebrantz ALDS, Viana MO et al.
Phys Occup Ther Pediatr · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41047762
- Record checked
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