Low muscle tone - Autism Spectrum Message Board

jeffreys mom · 02-12-2005, 01:18 PM

Hi, My son is being seen by early intervention and is beginning to get more services ie: speech therapy and occupational therapy. He was seen yesterday by a new OT and she said he has low muscle tone. He has a very self limited diet and I'm wondering if this is because of a lack of protien ? He is only 2. Should I be worried, his pediatrician never mentioned this. Does anyone else have any thoughts about this ? I have read that low muscle tone falls into the so called " spectrum". but I also know that he doesn't eat much protien. He is the love of my life but also my biggest worry. thanks

Al & Matt's Mom · 02-12-2005, 01:48 PM

My son has hypotonia as well. I've attempted to research it, but it doesn't seem like anyone knows the cause. They all say it is a symptom of another disorder, so I believe it is a symptom of my son's ASD. They also say if low muscle tone is not diagnosed in the first year it is not as life altering. My son is still pretty athletic for a child with low muscle tone.

mango2 · 02-12-2005, 03:49 PM

They always(OTs) say my son has somewhat-low muscle tone, but his muscles look fine to me and he's extremely strong. He has always eaten plenty of protein, so I don't think that's the problem.

jeffreys mom · 02-12-2005, 07:04 PM

thanks for the responses. It really caught me off guard when the ot said that although I have noticed alot recently that he is off balance again. He went through a period where he was always off balance, but I thought it was connected to his multiple ear infections. HMMMM...... Always something to think about

findingdx · 02-12-2005, 08:04 PM

We go to OT'S and PT'S for lots of things one of which is muscle tone(severely weak upper part body and walks on toes so tight on legs). We have done mri of the brain to see if cp but normal results. As fas as the balance could it be gait or motor planning as we work on this everyday. My child got her first black eye when playing frizbe, didn't know how or when to put up arms to catch it. Some things you have to teach them you think they would know how to do(motor planning is a good example). Even things like how to open doors or undo locks or do locks, these are all things we had to teach even at an older age and still teach. I wish i had the answer as why they are weak i just thought it might be lack of how to use those muscles?