5 Ideas to Help Your Child with Autism Stay Active
Studies show that individuals with autism are at an increased risk of inactivity and obesity-related illnesses. Children on the autism spectrum may struggle with the social aspects of joining a group activity like recess or a game of tag or may struggle with their balance and coordination skills.
They may also be more prone to extended periods of prolonged inactivity based on their interests. For example, if they enjoy spending their time playing computer games, reading, or doing arts and crafts more than other more active hobbies, your child may not be getting the exercise they need to stay healthy.
A sedentary lifestyle can have a negative impact on your child’s health and well-being in the present and later on in life. As we age, it can become more difficult to incorporate healthy habits into our schedule—give your child a head start by helping them realize the importance of staying active and teaching them how to add these habits to their routine.
Here are 5 ideas for helping your child with autism get more active.
Autism and Exercise: 4 Key Benefits to Consider
As with all people, there are several benefits of getting more active in your day-to-day life. Some of the benefits for children with autism include:
Physical activity can help your child with their fine motor skills, coordination, and body awareness.
Group sports and activities provide positive opportunities for social interaction and can help your child with their communication skills.
Exercise provides an outlet for your child to decrease their stress, anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and emotional dysregulation.
Increasing physical activity can reduce the likelihood of obesity and other health risks.
5 Ideas to Help Your Child With Autism Stay More Active
Start Small
Try integrating a normal everyday activity that promotes exercise into your child’s routine. Walking to school or taking the dog for a few laps around the block are great ways to dedicate more time to being active on a regular basis. These activities may be more appealing for children and teens with autism because of the ability to incorporate them into their daily routines.
2. Keep Things Interesting
Turn your daily walk into a fun game by walking in different ways—try running, jumping, skipping, playing hopscotch, or whatever sparks joy, while on walks with your child to keep things entertaining and interesting.
3. Visit a Trampoline Park
Trampoline parks are one of the most fun ways to get active, offering a sensory-driven environment, as well as an opportunity for physical expression and social interaction. Many parks also offer events or special days for children with autism or sensory needs.
4. Appeal to Your Child’s Special Interests
Finding activities your child is already interested in, like swimming, dancing, or riding bicycles, can make it a bit easier to add more exercise to your child’s schedule. You can also find a cartoon character or role model your child looks up to and show examples of them living an active lifestyle. YouTube skits, books, and TV shows can all be helpful ways to help your child visualize and get used to the idea of getting active more often.
5. Make a Game Out of It
Planning an outdoor (or indoor!) scavenger hunt is a creative, engaging way to get a bit of exercise, but it’s designed like a game—you’ll be having so much fun that you won’t even notice how many steps you (and your child) are getting in! And who doesn’t love running around looking for hidden treasure? You can also try hosting a dance party, playing “monsters”, or creating an obstacle course in the living room.
Helping your child with autism get more active can have a positive impact on their confidence, self-esteem, and their future. Plus, pursuing an active lifestyle also presents an opportunity to spend more quality time together and have fun while doing it—it’s a win-win!
Helping your child with autism get more active can have a positive impact on their confidence, self-esteem, and their future. Plus, pursuing an active lifestyle also presents an opportunity to spend more quality time together and have fun while doing it—it’s a win-win!
Students with autism and other exceptionalities should be in an environment where they not only are accepted but are able to continue developing their social and academic skills.
We are committed to inspiring our students to reach their full potential both in the classroom and the community. PS Academy Arizona is a private K-12 school for students with autism and other exceptionalities located in Gilbert, AZ. Here students love coming to school. Why? Because here, they aren't defined by their diagnosis. They shine when they identify their abilities, are accepted for their differences, make friends, and discover new skills.