Autism & Exercise: 4 Best Exercises for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder

May 29, 2021

Exercise is recently discovered to treat kids with an autism spectrum disorder to maintain their physical and mental health.

While exercise, on the one hand, helps with weight control, it is also beneficial for developing motor and social skills.

Fast Facts:

79% of kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder have movement impairments.
19% of kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder are classified as overweight.
26% of kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder are at risk of being overweight.

These are some alarming facts about kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

How Exercise Helps Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Multiple studies have consistently shown that exercise can help kids with autism in many different ways. As given below:

Exercise Benefits For General Population	Additional Benefits of Exercise for Autistic Kids

Weight control	Improved motor skills

Physical health	Improved social skills

Improved mental health	Decreased stereotypy

Improved self-regulation	Reduced aggression

Sleep management	Increased on-task behavior

4 Best Exercises for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Full-body exercises are best for kids with an autism spectrum disorder to lose weight, boost strength, coordination, endurance, and physical awareness.

Here are best four exercises to try.

Tips to Get Started:

When teaching a new exercise to a kid with autism, it is essential to do so in a calm and supportive environment and also practice positive reinforcement.

1. Bear Crawl Exercise

2. Medicine Ball Slams

3. Star Jumps/Jumping Jacks

The jumping task is an excellent full-body exercise that helps increase cardiovascular endurance, strengthen the core and legs, and enhance body awareness.

Step-by-Step-Guide:

Start with a squatting position, with your feet flat on the floor, knees bent, and arms extending toward your chest.
Jump quickly from squatting, spread your arms and legs into an X-shape.
Upon landing, return to the starting position with your legs and arms tucked in.
Repeat this activity up to 20 times or until you are tired.

4. Arm Circles

Arm circles can reduce repetitive behaviors, like arm flapping or clapping, according to research in autism spectrum disorder. Arm circles are a great upper-body workout that helps increase strength and flexibility in the back and shoulders.

Step-by-Step-Guide:

Stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart and the arms at your sides.
Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.
Start making small circles with your hands while keeping your arms straight.
Make the circles gradually bigger, creating movement from the shoulders.
Repeat this movement 20 times, and then repeat in another direction.

Guidelines for Starting Exercise for Kids with Autism

Before starting any exercise program for a child with autism, be sure to consult a doctor.
Start slowly, and warm-up before exercise.
Pay attention to signs of fatigue, such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, or dizziness.
Before exercising, make sure your child is well hydrated and rested.

Exercise for Kids with Autism - Takeaway

Exercise has countless benefits for children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Research indicates that 79% of kids with autism have movement impairments, which an inactive lifestyle could worsen.

Exercise reduces negative behaviors in autistic kids, improves mood, improves coping skills, and enhances the overall quality of life.

If you're looking for fun activities and exercise programs for your kids and teens reach out to us at Gantry Kids & Teens in New York. We're looking forward to working with you and your kids. Whether a novice or elite athlete, we got you covered with classes, after school, camps, the occasional Saturday night, private training or even celebrating a special event. We’re Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today! Contact us today.

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