Autism and Physical Activity: The Benefits of Exercise

Exercise has always been known to have immense physical benefits on the body. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that adults should engage in 30 minutes of moderate activity almost every day, while children are encouraged to do twice that.

For many years, studies into the benefits of exercise focused mainly on physical aspects. In recent years, though, an increasing number of studies have found a significant link between physical activity and mental wellness.

Children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can especially benefit from exercise and physical activity. A 2018 meta-analysis of 29 studies found physical activity and exercise programs for children on the autism spectrum provided them with anywhere from moderate benefits to significant benefits — all in areas that are crucially important.

Let’s dive deeper into the link between autism and physical activity, the benefits of exercise for youth who have autism, and some ways you can engage your child in physical activity.

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What Benefits Does Exercise Provide Children with Autism?

There were many ways in which the 2018 analysis found that exercise benefitted youth with autism.

From a physical standpoint, those who participated in regular exercise were able to improve their endurance and muscular strength, which is very important considering people who have ASD typically don’t match up in these areas with their neurotypical peers.

Many different physical activities also help children improve their motor skills. Running, catching, jumping, throwing, gripping and manipulating objects are all a part of many physical activities for youth, which provides a fun and engaging way for them to work on these important skills.

In addition, children with autism who engage in consistent physical activity were found to improve other essential skills such as body coordination, balance and visual-motor control, as well as other skills related to mobility.

The meta-analysis also found non-physical benefits. Youth with autism who participated in exercise activities realized gains in social skills. The thought is that these activities are great ways for children with autism to interact with their peers in safe settings.

What Other Ways Does Physical Activity Benefit Children with Autism?

Other studies have found that physical activity helps improve some of the things that children with autism tend to struggle with. For instance, one study found that after a child engages in a half hour of aerobic exercise, they show improved concentration, organizational skills and attention.

Another study found that 20 minutes of physical activity resulted in improved school performance, thinking skills and overall behavior for all children — regardless of whether they have ASD, ADHD or are neurotypical.

Not only that, but exercise has been shown to help children with autism reduce some of their problem behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, repetitiveness and more.

These are areas that are of particular concern for parents, caregivers, teachers and others who engage with children on the autism spectrum.

What these studies overwhelmingly suggest is that physical activity should be a regular part of the day for children with autism.

What Exercises are Good for Children with Autism?

Having a child with autism engage in exercise may be easier said than done. Participating in team sports, playing outside with friends and other typical physical activities could present challenges to children on the autism spectrum.

That being said, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate physical activities into the day for children with autism. Some examples include …

• Dancing: It can improve muscle strength, build coordination skills and balance, and generally facilitate movement.
• Swimming: Many children with ASD who have sensory issues like being in the water. Things such as aquatic therapy, swim classes or even just splashing in a pool are great ways to engage your child and get them moving.
• Jumping: Some children with autism love the feeling of jumping and moving around. It can give them the sensory input they’re looking for when they jump, bounce, roll and more. All of these movements can contribute to cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, too.
• Walking: It may be challenging to have your child jog or run consistently, but even walking can have immense physical benefits. Incorporating a daily walk can help to improve fitness and get their energy out.

Trust Blue Gems ABA with Your Child’s Treatment

There’s no denying the immense benefits of physical activity for all children. This is especially true of children with autism, who can gain both physical, behavioral and mental health benefits.

At Blue Gems ABA, we support children with autism by administering applied behavior analysis. Also known as ABA therapy, this science-based approach to learning and behavior helps children gain the social, communication and daily life skills with which they tend to struggle.

We incorporate different strategies and forms of learning into the treatment plan, and ensure that physical activity is an important aspect as well.

To learn more, please contact us today.