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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been intensely investigated since the term was first used over 80 years ago. The prevalence of ASD is constantly rising, and, currently, 1:36 children are diagnosed with this disorder. Despite the intense interest in ASD, the origins of this disorder remain obscure. This article explores motor issues and proprioceptive interoception difficulties as the prodrome of ASD. The importance of early intervention in the prognosis of ASD is common knowledge. Yet, since the communicational and social behaviors typical of ASD are observable only after the age of 18 months, diagnosis and early intervention are delayed. Therefore, the quest into the involvement of sensory-motor difficulties as a source of ASD traits, or at least as a potential early indicator, is warranted, with the intention of enabling early diagnosis and early intervention. This article examines the justification for this new avenue of early diagnosis and intervention and may open up a completely different way of viewing ASD. This new point of view may suggest an original path of assessment and intervention in infancy with this group of clients, possibly leading to improved prognosis for children and their families.

Background : Physical therapy plays a crucial role in addressing the physical challenges faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, physical therapists (PTs) working in special education centers for ASD children were tasked with deploying remote telehealth interventions (RTIs), an uncommon approach in physical therapy until then. The present article aims to describe and discuss the PTs' perspective of using RTI with children with ASD during the national Israeli COVID-19 lockdown. Methods : Reports from 13 experienced PTs who treated and supported 244 children with ASD using RTIs over six weeks were analyzed. The study employed quantitative research methods, including freely written reports and discussions addressing the question "what were your experiences as a PT treating ASD children remotely during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown?" Results : the reports were categorized into four main themes: (a) the implications of RTIs on the children; (b) the implications of RTIs on the PTs; (c) modifications for applying RTI; and (d) PTs' family rapport as a necessary basis for RTI. Noteworthy findings include the unaffected implementation of RTIs by ASD severity level and the dependence of RTI's success on parental availability and the ability of parents to tailor activities for their child. Conclusions : The findings of the current research suggest that PT services through RTIs are well-suited for individuals with ASD and their families.