Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder benefit from physical activity, which can improve motor coordination, strength, social skills, and academic performance. However, many youth with autism engage in insufficient physical activity, with only 14% of children with autism meeting the recommended 60 minutes per day of exercise(NPAPA, 2018). The low participation rate can be attributed to several barriers, including a lack of sensory-friendly environments, limited inclusive and accepting sports programs, and difficulties related to autism symptoms in group settings.
Why is exercise so important for children with Autism? Regular physical activity offers several key benefits, along with many others:
- Improved Motor Skills: Exercise helps enhance fine motor coordination, balance, and locomotor skills, which are important for physical development and body awareness in children with autism.
- Better Social Skills: Physical activity, especially in group settings, promotes communication, cooperation, and self-control, which are vital social skills that children with autism often find challenging.
- Enhanced Academic and Cognitive Performance: Engaging in exercise has been shown to improve focus, cognitive functioning, and academic performance, supporting overall growth and development in children with autism.
And so many other benefits, including improved mood, reduced anxiety, better sleep quality, and overall well-being.
The Positivity Spectrum is working to make physical activity more accessible to children with autism. We are hosting exciting events with our partners, including Sky Zone (trampoline park) and USA Ninja Challenge, to provide fun and engaging opportunities for kids to be active. Additionally, our Camp for Kids program, in partnership with the YMCA, is making summer camp an inclusive and enjoyable experience for children with autism.
Visit our event page to learn more and get involved!
Healy, S., Nacario, A., Braithwaite, R., & Hopper, D. (2018). The effects of physical activity on youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A meta-analysis. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 15(s2), S422–S429. https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jpah/15/s2/article-pS422.xml