Delphi Consensus on Role of Physiotherapy Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Abstract

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a wide range of physical, cognitive, social and behavioral abnormalities. The Delphi technique is widely used and successful in both healthcare and education to define and specify roles and practice competencies. Purpose: The aim of the study is to pursue the role of physiotherapy interventions in ASD. Method: A modified two round Delphi study was undertaken using a panel of expert rehabilitation practitioners. The competencies were evaluated in the subsequent rounds by the Delphi panel. The data was collected by frequently mail transferring. Structured close-ended questionnaire were used. Only 50 expert rehabilitation practitioners were sample in this study. The Delphi panel was asked to rate each of the 12 interventions for managing ASD children. Round 1 was opened for 2 weeks and subsequent rounds were opened for 3 weeks to collect rank of intervention through subsequent mail transferring. Results: Among 50 participants 43 (86%) participants were rated & ranked the mention 12 interventions in final Delphi round. In the first round, most experience rehabilitation practitioner joined via video-conferencing. Only 6 interventions including hippo therapy, gait training, balance training, coordination practice, proprioception training & physical exercise that were achieved consensus (at least 75% of the panel rating >7) were retained for inclusion in the final core interventions for managing ASD children. The Steering Group approved the revisions and combined capabilities after reviewing the final framework. Binary logistic regression also found higher coefficient & significance values on hippo therapy, gait training, coordination training, balance training, physical exercise & proprioception practice. Conclusion: This study highlighted the need of physiotherapy treatments for children with ASD, which should be part of a multidisciplinary team approach that also includes other healthcare professionals. It can be used as a practice guideline & should include overall health-care systems that may apply to children with ASD as physiotherapy's role. Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Delphi method, Physiotherapy Intervention. Word count: 14615