Are sports a good fit for kids with autism? As a parent myself, I’ve asked this question too. The answer isn’t always simple, since every child with autism is unique and may experience sports differently. Understanding how sports for kids with autism can support development and social skills helps families make the best choices for
Guidance on the best ways to use exercise to get fit to develop a healthy lifestyle. To include special needs exercise programs, fitness activities, and routines to encourage movement to improve health and combat obesity.
Does Cycling Help Children with Autism?
As the world continues to seek better ways to support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there’s a growing need to use physical methods to facilitate their development. In a report released by the World Health Organization, at least one child out of 160 has autism. ASD symptoms vary from child to child, but many
The Beauty and Benefits of Buddy Sports Programs
From the moment my son, Charlie, 12, was born, he’s been the consummate sports fan, attending nearly all his older brothers’ events. In the early days when he napped in his infant carrier, and throughout the following years as he explored new playgrounds at various ballfields, he never minded watching. But as he got older,
The Value of the Personal Trainer
On the pathway to adopting a healthy lifestyle, the exercise experience contains valuable opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to practice adaptive communication and socialization skills. To ensure a safe, enjoyable fitness experience, parents and caregivers may consider accessing the services of a certified personal trainer (CPT). Depending upon the individual’s level of
Finding a Winning Special Needs Exercise Program
Whether in the gym, residential, or outdoor setting, engagement in routine exercise can help individuals on the autism spectrum to dramatically improve their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. As time spent in the fitness setting creates opportunities to develop communication skills, facilitate sensory processing, and enhance social awareness, exercise task demands gradually transform into
Routine Exercise: Achieving Better Health with Autism
With each click, swipe, and scroll through our news feeds, new tips, trends, and techniques for achieving better health make it impossible to ignore what we already know to be true: Along with proper diet and adequate sleep, routine exercise is one of the keys to a maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, due to the
Why You Need to Support Your ASD Child in Physical Education
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) move a lot—as a parent, family member or loved one of someone with ASD you can probably attest to that. There can be constant movement in an ASD household: circles, spinning, running in the yard, in the house, jumping off of couches (or bookcases, or coffee tables…I’m not judging,
Choosing the Best Exercise To Fight Obesity with Autism
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 5 children aged 6-19 years old is obese¹. This means that they have excess body fat, putting their body mass index (BMI) scores above the 95th percentile. While there are a number of factors that may contribute to these statistics, the reality is that
Easy Ways to Increase Physical Activity Time with ASD Kids
Physical activity is an important part of everyone’s life and well-being. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, children under 18 should have a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Adults should have 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. Recent studies have revealed, however, people are
Great Ways Exercise Can Benefit Kids with Autism for Life
“There are many reasons to encourage fitness activities for youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance both behavior and mood.” Fred R. Volkmar, M.D. Irving B. Harris Professor, Director – Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, Chief of Child Psychiatry, Yale New Haven Hospital, Editor
Six Steps to a Fun, Friendly, Family Fitness Program
“Wow, how did you get him/her to do that?,” parents often ask me. Whether their seven-year-old son just performed a jump for the first time or their seventeen-year-old daughter triumphed over a Dynamax ball squat, Sandbell slam, and bear walk combo, one of the highlights of my profession is demonstrating capabilities. And it isn’t quite
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