Physical activities for kids are more important now than ever. They’ve been holed up indoors with their gadgets for too long. All kids should be physically active, including kids with underlying developmental disabilities. The importance of being physically active can never be underestimated. It has many benefits, not just strengthening one's body.
It's also crucial for the following:
- physical growth
- development of fine motor skills
- better posture
- weight management
- cognitive development
- mental health
- social skills
- self-esteem
- cardiovascular health
Kids on the autism spectrum should also participate in physical activities to help decrease their hyperactivity, aggression, and other stereotypical behaviors. In the United States, 1 in 44 children is reported to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2021.
ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication as well as behavior, and it typically manifests in the first two years of life. Because of this, sports that require team dynamics aren’t recommended for them. Most children with autism have sensory challenges, and they react very differently to loud noises, bright lights, and touch. The outcome can be unfavorable, and the child may become unhappy and uncooperative.
Individual sports may be more suitable for them, including the following:
1. Skateboard
Skating can be therapeutic for a child with autism because once they overcome the balancing challenges and get to skate without a problem, they feel more encouraged and competitive, as evident in the success of A.skate Foundation, a skateboarding clinic organized to help kids with autism.
If you have a child with autism, personal skateboard lessons by highly skilled instructors done right in the safety of your own home can be beneficial.
2. Archery
The repetitive action and the focus on the process can help kids with autism because these are their stereotypical behaviors. If kids with innate behaviors like this can leverage their behaviors to match a skill they can learn from efficient trainers, they could be easily set up for success.
Children on the autism spectrum are excellent at tasks that require concentration and focus. Surprisingly, children with autism who participate in this sport thoroughly enjoy it and excel at it. The group of young Japanese archers with autism who competed at the 2018 Vegas Shoot, an international archery tournament, can attest to this.
If you want your child with autism to experience the wonders of archery, you may try looking for archery lessons near you.
3. Swimming
Kids are naturally attracted to water, and because of this, accidental drowning accounts for 90% of children's death under the age of 14 in the United States. Water safety and drowning prevention are vital for all children. Still, those with autism have higher risks for these because there are instances that they seek isolation and flee unfamiliar territories. Learning how to swim is a vital safety skill that can save lives and prevent drowning.
4. Track And Field
Spending up energy can be the most common dilemma for caretakers of kids with autism. Running won’t just release pent-up energy but will also help decrease self-stimulatory behaviors, hyperactivity, and aggression, as well as improve coordination and muscle development.
Achieving a personal goal at their own pace is essential for them too. Though they can participate in this sport as part of a team, they don't need constant communication with teammates; thus, they can focus on achieving their personal goals and succeed as part of a team.
5. Martial Arts
Participating in an individual sport in a controlled, safe, and fun environment is beneficial for kids with autism. They can interact with people, develop communication skills, and improve their balance, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination. The intrinsic gentle, compassionate manner of teaching this sport is suitable for the characteristics of kids with autism.
The different types of martial arts are the following:
- karate
- muay thai
- judo
- jiu-jitsu
- aikido
6. Horseback Riding
Riding a horse encourages the child to focus on the moment, concentrate on their movement, and connect emotionally with the animal. Practicing to be calm while riding is an excellent exercise of self-control that most kids with autism have difficulty grasping. Most of them who get involved with horseback riding excel at it, and because of its effectiveness, it's now called equine therapy or horse-assisted therapy.
Conclusion
Even if kids with developmental disabilities take longer to be trained and adapt to situations, they need to be given equal opportunities as other kids. Autism is a spectrum of disorders, and not every child with autism is the same. Knowing your child's specific disability can help you find the ideal sport that’ll help them develop their cognitive, social, communication and physical skills.
