Exercise is a Life-Changer for Those with Autism

Abstract

Apply It! • Make a profound impact. Because of limited resources, most school systems are leaving those with autism wandering and wondering in physical education classes. This is a squandered opportunity because autism parents have rated exercise as the no. 1 treatment as it has been shown to extend beyond the health-related benefits. Those with autism need to be able to access fitness centers and trainers to benefit from exercise programming. • Understanding autism and exercise. Teaching exercise to those with autism is 75% understanding autism and 25% understanding exercise. This community learns differently and to create successful exercise programs requires embedding evidence-based teaching practices, structured routines, and setting individualized goals. The goal may simply start with just being in the facility for 30 minutes.

The Efficacy of Yoga Interventions for Children with Autism: A Systematic Review

“…With the population of children with autism in the United States rising from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 54 children in 2016 [13], the importance of effective interventions supported by the NPDC criteria and ESSA Tier 1-4 evidence is amplified. Geslak and Boudreaux [14] emphasize the importance of using evidence-based practices to teach students with autism in their article Exercise is a Life-Changer for Those with Autism. The most common approaches provided to children with autism are behavior interventions, dietary modifications, medication, or complementary and alternative medicine [15].…”

Physical Activity, Gut Microbiota, and Genetic Background for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…The possible mechanisms proposed include inducing molecular changes impacting the anti-inflammatory state as well as other mechanisms affecting the peripheral and central nervous system [ 68 , 69 ]. Physical exercise is a promising non-pharmacological approach to improve several health aspects or alleviate symptoms in youth with ASD [ 70 , 71 ], including symptomatology and associated comorbidities [ 69 ] such as motor skills or sociability skills [ 72 ], and stereotypical motor behaviors [ 73 ]. Meta-analysis and systematic reviews have shown the positive effect of physical exercise interventions on reduction of stereotypical behavior [ 74 ], as well as reducing deficits in social interaction and executive function (particularly in terms of cognitive flexibility and inhibition of behavior) in children and adolescents with ASD [ 69 , 75 , 76 ].…”

“…This includes consideration of environmental factors such as lighting, sound, and the size of the area when planning the program [ 96 , 97 ]. Effective methods for teaching individuals with ASD include visual supports (e.g., visual schedules, photos, video modeling) [ 69 , 71 , 98 ]. In addition, some exercises can be equally effective whether performed individually or in a group [ 73 ], while other investigators have shown individuals can find participating in group-based exercise challenging [ 99 ], suggesting exercise programs should be implemented according to the child’s preferences [ 71 , 73 ].…”

The Aquatic WATSU® Therapy Program Improves the Quality of Life of an Adult Male with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Case Report

“…An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a combination of impairments in reciprocal social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, behavior patterns, interests, activities, and sensory regulation (Geslak et al, 2021;Grandin, 2019;Pratt et al, 2017). The USA prevalence of ASD is approximately one in 54 children (Aylward et al, 2021).…”

“…Reasons for the rise of ASD prevalence are still widely debated but not the lower life expectancy than the general population (Martin & Dillenburger, 2019). ASD shows deficiencies significantly in communication, social, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral challenges (Geslak et al, 2021). The lack of social communication, understanding, and engagement in age-appropriate social behaviors with the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors is apparent.…”