There are many benefits to be had from children participating in regular physical activity, especially those on the spectrum. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits, and if you have any questions or would like specific strategies or activities, contact the team at Children’s Milestone in Greenbelt. We provide ABA therapy and other autism programs to children across D.C. and Maryland.
Support Social Skills
Physical activity and play can strengthen social skills and improve communication. Participating in activities with friends and family can help children with autism learn how to interact better socially. Exercise also offers behavior benefits for children with autism, giving them a jump on building social skills. During play, children learn turn-taking, role-playing, verbal and nonverbal communication, social roles, and more!
Improves Motor Skills & Build Confidence
Children on the spectrum often have challenges with coordination and motor skills, and as a result, participating in physical activities can be difficult or frustrating. However, exercise is a great place to improve motor skills. Movement-based therapies that improve motor skills can be a great companion to focusing on learning how to talk, make eye contact, and sit still in class. Children with ASD also build trust and bonds through repetitive actions, and working towards goals like improving one’s running time or developing strength in their shoulder muscles can build their confidence.
Improves Sleep & Relieves Stress
Sleep is important for all children’s development, and that’s also true for children with autism! Getting regular exercise can help support healthy sleep patterns and a regular sleep schedule. Exercise is also a great stress reliever for kids on the autism spectrum. When kids are more active, they tend to be calmer and more patient.
What Types of Activities are Best?
Children on the spectrum tend to prefer activities that involve repetitive actions and do not demand much emotional engagement. For this reason, they may benefit more from structured or pre-determined activities such as walking or running than unstructured playtime. That said, all types of physical activity are beneficial and should be encouraged! Some good ideas for activities include:
- Taking a nature walk and looking for things that are round, such as rocks or leaves
- Playing catch, hopscotch, or other simple games with a sibling or friend
- Riding a bike or tricycle
- Swimming
- Doing exercises like sit-ups, push-ups, or squats that can be done at home with no equipment needed
At Children’s Milestone, our therapists include physical activity and exercise throughout our autism programs. If you’d like to learn more about how we utilize movement or tips for doing so at home, contact us today in Greenbelt!