9 | Pediatric Physical Therapy & Autism | Rhonda Schnabl
Many parents hear recommendations for physical therapy but are not always sure what pediatric physical therapists actually work on or how physical therapy differs from occupational therapy.
In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with pediatric physical therapist Rhonda Schnabl about how physical therapy supports movement, balance, coordination, endurance, posture, and gross motor development in children.
Rhonda shares how PTs use play-based activities to help children build foundational movement skills that support participation in everyday life, school activities, sports, and peer interactions. She also discusses common concerns she sees in autistic children, including toe walking, low muscle tone, coordination difficulties, and reduced endurance.
This conversation gives families a practical and approachable overview of pediatric physical therapy while helping parents better understand when PT services may be helpful.
Listen to the Full Episode
This episode is especially helpful for parents wondering whether their child may benefit from physical therapy support for toe walking, balance, coordination, posture, endurance, or movement challenges.
Memorable Quote
“PTs teach people how to walk, but OTs teach them how to dance.”
In This Episode We Discuss
• What pediatric physical therapy focuses on
• Differences between PT and OT
• Toe walking in autistic children
• Core strength and posture
• Balance and coordination difficulties
• Endurance and movement challenges
• Play-based PT activities
• When families should consider a PT evaluation
Key Themes From the Conversation
Physical Therapy Focuses on Movement
One of the biggest themes throughout this conversation is that physical therapists are movement specialists.
Rhonda explains that PTs focus heavily on:
• Gross motor development
• Strength
• Balance
• Coordination
• Endurance
• Posture
• Movement efficiency
These foundational movement skills support participation in everyday life and play.
Toe Walking Can Have Multiple Causes
Rhonda discusses how toe walking may be connected to:
• Habit patterns
• Sensory processing differences
• Neurological factors
She also explains why persistent toe walking should not always be dismissed as something children will simply “grow out of.”
Play Is a Powerful Therapy Tool
Like occupational therapists, pediatric PTs often use play-based interventions to build skills.
Activities may include:
• Ball skills
• Running
• Jumping
• Animal walks
• Balance activities
• Core strengthening games
Therapy often looks like play because children learn best through movement and engagement.
Common Questions Parents Ask
When should I consider physical therapy for my child?
Children who struggle with balance, endurance, toe walking, coordination, posture, or keeping up with peers may benefit from a PT evaluation.
Is toe walking common in autistic children?
Toe walking can occur in autistic children for sensory, neurological, or habitual reasons. Persistent toe walking may benefit from further assessment by a physical therapist.
How is physical therapy different from occupational therapy?
Physical therapy focuses primarily on movement, posture, balance, coordination, endurance, and gross motor development, while occupational therapy focuses more on daily living skills, sensory processing, play, and participation in everyday activities.
Why This Conversation Matters for Families
Many families are unsure whether movement challenges are “typical” or whether additional support may help their child participate more comfortably and confidently in daily life.
This conversation helps parents better recognize signs that physical therapy may be beneficial while emphasizing practical, play-based approaches that support children’s overall development.
Resources Mentioned
Mile Markers Therapy
Little Steps shoe inserts
About the Guest
Rhonda Schnabl is a pediatric physical therapist with more than two decades of experience working across pediatric therapy, rehabilitation, education, and developmental support settings. She is passionate about helping children build confidence through movement and play.
Related Resources for Parents
If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy these resources:
• Physical Therapy Month Spotlight: How Pediatric PT Helps Kids Thrive
• Understanding Developmental Goals in Pediatric Therapy
• When to Seek Help: Signs Your Child May Need Occupational, Speech, or Physical Therapy
• Outdoor Play for Development: Fun Summer Activities with Therapeutic Benefits
Explore more parent resources at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com/blog
