Moved by my body

Abstract

Objectives: Young adults with autism have a different way to develop in body and movement. Do the experiences of body and movement consist with physiotherapeutic findings, in order to guide understanding and interventions?Method: The study involved eleven participants with autism, 16-22 years old, who told about their experiences. They were also examined concerning motor proficiency with Bruininks Ozeretskys test version 2 (BOT2), and concerning body awareness ability with Body Awareness Scale Movement Quality and Experience (BAS MQ-E). Results: Everyday experiences of body and movement were reported by the participants. Their ability to build a body self was reported as well as observed. Physiotherapeutic findings were illustrated by quotations from the participants. Discussion: Movement quality seems to have more impact on how the participants feel in everyday life than movement quantity has. Conclusions: There is a need for a better understanding of bodily resources in young adults with autism. The need for bodily interventions is underlined