- Encourage your autistic child to sit cross legged to strengthen body core
- Learn why children with ASD prefer to sit in the w position
From early on, my son’s physiotherapist encouraged him to stop sitting in the w position and cross his legs instead.
Here’s why.
Poor core strength
One of the symptoms of ASD is poor core strength. The physio explained that this was partly why my son would sit in the w position. Bringing the knees inwards and spraying the legs outwards increased the surface area on which to bear down his body weight, making it easier to hold himself up.
W sitting affects hip joints
But this position twists the thigh bones and tightens the hip joints, weakening body core strength, even affecting muscle growth in your legs and bottom.
As a result, over time, it encourages you to walk with your knees pointed inwards, and makes it difficult for you to hold your balance.
Sit cross legged
Sitting with your legs crossed is a much better position, according to the physio. So whenever I catch my son w sitting, I gently ask him to ‘fix your legs’ and sit cross legged.
Alternative position
If your child finds it difficult to sit cross legged, they could throw their legs out straight in front of them instead.
This position has an added benefit, because it reduces the surface area that holds your child’s weight, so they need to use their core strength to maintain their balance.
Summary
If you see your child w sitting, encourage them to sit cross legged.
Improve body strength by sitting in various positions.
Autism Hacks 