Autism and Movement

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex neurobiological, developmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood and often lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. The characteristics of autism include an impaired ability to communicate and relate to others socially, a restricted range of activities, and repetitive behaviours such as following very specific routines.

Movement and Physical activity

Physical activity is an important part of a child’s development, especially for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exercise can help improve strength, endurance, mobility, agility, coordination, and cognition in children with ASD. It can also help them to better focus their attention, improve cognition, and develop aerobic fitness.

Sports and other activities that involve coordination can be especially beneficial for children with autism as they provide opportunities to practice motor skills and communication in a fun environment. Additionally, exercise has been found to have positive effects on mental health for people with ASD and improve their social interactions. Therefore, it is important for parents and caregivers of children with autism to understand the benefits of physical activity and provide guidance on how to incorporate it into their daily lives.

Through research, we know that vigorous or strenuous exercise is associated with decreases in hyperactivity, aggression, self-injury and destructiveness.

Vigorous exercise can be described as a 20-minute or longer aerobic workout, 3 to 4 days a week. Mild or low exercise has little effect on behaviour.

Aerobic exercise has been shown to significantly decrease negative self-stimulating behaviours (spinning, head-nodding, body rocking, object-tapping, etc), which interferes with learning and positive behaviours.

Let's promote a healthy lifestyle which will enable children with Autism to not only improve their learning and growth but allow them to improve motor functioning for long-term outcomes and motivation to continue these positive behaviours.

Education is just as important as the exercise itself!!!