Frankie did not enjoy fitness activities when we first began our sessions about seven years ago. Prior to this, his most consistent activity was jumping up and down while hitting his chest with his hand and the more-than-occasional all out tantrum on the floor. A few days ago he pressed a 20-plus pound thick rope overhead and walked across the yard, smiling and laughing as he chucked it down to the pavement. Fitness is the missing key in optimal development for individuals with autism. While it is becoming clear that the spectrum population is suffering from low muscle tone, weight gain (to the point of obesity), and poor gross motor skills, the integration of quality fitness and exercise programs for gyms, clinics, home, and school is still limited. Creating fitness programs for the autism population, whether for one-to-one or groups, can provide a great array of benefits for physical, emotional, and cognitive health in addition to building social skills and self-esteem. A program should be appropriate, meaning it meets the needs of the individual. Below are seven concepts to keep in mind. Fitness does NOT equal sports! Many adaptive PE programs try to emulate or copy the goings-on of mainstream PE curricula. Team sport activities leave a LOT to be desired, including foundational movements (pushing, pulling, squatting, climbing, crawling, bending) and are often conceptually difficult for people with autism to understand or care about. There are plenty of better options for both...

Fitness programs tailored for those with autism can enhance physical, cognitive, and social skills, without relying on traditional sports.

7 Things You MUST Know About Fitness & Autism

Frankie did not enjoy fitness activities when we first began our sessions about seven years ago. Prior to this, his most consistent activity was jumping up and down while hitting his chest with his hand and the more-than-occasional all out tantrum on the floor. A few days ago he pressed a 20-plus pound thick rope overhead and walked across the yard, smiling and laughing as he chucked it down to the pavement. Fitness is the missing key in optimal development for individuals with autism. While it is becoming clear that the spectrum population is suffering from low muscle tone, weight gain (to the point of obesity), and poor gross motor skills, the integration of quality fitness and exercise programs for gyms, clinics, home, and school is still limited.  Creating fitness programs for the autism population, whether for one-to-one or groups, can provide a great array of benefits for physical, emotional, and cognitive health in addition to building social skills and self-esteem. A program should be appropriate, meaning it meets the needs of the individual. Below are seven concepts to keep in mind.     Fitness does NOT equal sports!   Many adaptive PE programs try to emulate or copy the goings-on of mainstream PE curricula. Team sport activities leave a LOT to be desired, including foundational movements (pushing, pulling, squatting, climbing, crawling, bending) and are often conceptually difficult for people with autism to understand or care about.  There are plenty of better options for both...

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Special Needs
Articles

7 Things You MUST Know About Fitness & Autism

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Special Needs Articles

7 Things You MUST Know About Fitness & Autism

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles