Benefits of Exercise for Children With Autism
Boosting Strength, Balance and Social Skills in Kids With Autism
Children and teens on the autism spectrum may need an extra jolt of motivation to sustain a moderate fitness routine. Promoting healthy physical activity in any adolescent can be downright difficult. Physical exercise can especially benefit adolescents and teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). To start, adolescents and teens with ASD tend to be less active compared with their age-related peers.
Patients with autism may have physical impairments and socio-behavioral issues which affect academics and school participation. Kids may have difficulties with communication, limited social interaction and impaired balance or motor skills. Types of exercises can help a child with autism feel fitter, stronger and more confident.
Positive effects of exercise on children with autism
Physical activity releases feel-good hormones called endorphins, which can promote a sense of well-being and reduce many symptoms of anxiety.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more reasons to encourage exercise for adolescents and teens with autism:
- Balance, coordination
- A healthier heart
- Muscle tone, motor skills
- Fewer mood swings
- Less hyperactivity
- Social engagement
- Mental concentration
- Feelings of calmness
- Leaner body weight
- Muscle and joint flexibility
- Better posture
Exercises to calm the mind and body
In a fitness class setting, gym sessions or school sports, teens with autism can practice sports-related skills such as increasing peer communication and reducing problem behaviors. The emotional benefits of moderate physical activity (most days of the week) also enhance cognitive function and mental well-being.
Most of us need routine and habit to continue exercising, and this appears to be especially true for children on the spectrum. You may have to help your child and their teachers to build a regular and predictable exercise routine. Create a calendar or visual aids to remind your student of weekly routines.
Researchers have considered why physical activity improves social skills: When designed appropriately, physical activity programs can provide a fun, comfortable setting for interacting with other children. In addition, activities involving animals (like horseback riding) provide children with a fun way to interact nonverbally and learn about compassion and empathy.
Helping kids with autism become more active and healthy
It’s up to teachers, parents and caregivers to help guide the person with autism toward the types of energetic activities that improve agility, reaction time, balance and other skill-related fitness benefits.
Research indicates short bursts of high-energy activity (with supervision and safety precautions) may work best to sustain their interest, including:
- Computer virtual reality exergaming
- Walking and running around a track
- Jumping on a trampoline
- Table tennis and badminton
- Fitness videos and dancing
Teachers, especially physical education teachers, can be a great influence and help children with autism feel more confident about their abilities and physicality. The mind and body benefits of regular exercise for kids with autism appears to be tremendous.
Physical activity can improve the mental health and well-being not only for the child with autism – but for the whole family.
ASD is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in life and affects how a person acts, learns and interacts with others. Exercising regularly can make a big difference in mood, self-esteem and resilience.
Foundations Behavioral Health is dedicated to providing behavioral health treatments and academic services to children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with autism. Our ASD services deliver integrated programs that draw on progressive, evidence-based practices.
Contact us
Call Foundations Behavioral Health Clinical Assessment Center at 215-345-0444. For questions about programming, call or complete the online contact form.
