The Fitness Challenges Faced by People With Autism

You might see that autism and fitness challenges often include trouble with motor skills, being sensitive to things around them, and a greater chance of not being active. Many kids with autism are almost three times more likely to be obese than kids without autism.

• About 33.6% are overweight, and 18% are obese.
• Not being active and eating unhealthy food contribute to these higher numbers.

Understanding these autism and fitness challenges helps you provide better support for the health and happiness of individuals with autism.

Key Takeaways

• Many kids with autism have trouble with fitness because of motor skill problems. This can cause higher obesity rates.
• Sensory sensitivities can make normal exercise places feel too much. Sensory-friendly activities are very important. Not moving enough raises health risks like obesity and weak bones. Regular exercise is very important.
• Communication problems can stop kids with autism from joining group activities. Giving clear instructions helps a lot. Social exclusion can make it hard for autistic kids to make friends or join sports. This shows why we need programs that include everyone.
• Fitness plans made for each person can help them enjoy and want to do physical activities. Adapted activities like swimming, martial arts, and dance therapy can help motor skills and build confidence. Supportive places that welcome everyone help autistic people feel safe and want to join in fitness.

Autism and Fitness Challenges

People with autism often have trouble with motor skills. These problems can make daily life harder in many ways.

Motor Skills

Balance

Many people with autism have a hard time with balance. They may find it tough to stand on one foot. Walking on bumpy ground can also be difficult. Poor balance makes it hard to play games or sports at school or in the community.

Coordination

Coordination is often a problem too. It can be hard to catch a ball or ride a bike. Even using a fork and knife can be tricky. These problems can make simple tasks feel tough. Some common motor skill problems include:

• Fine motor skill problems make self-care tasks like buttoning clothes or using cutlery hard.
• Gross motor skill problems can affect posture and movement, making running and jumping tough.
• Hand-eye coordination problems can make writing and drawing hard.
• Motor problems are very common. Up to 97% of autistic people have some trouble.

Delayed Development

Some children with autism reach motor milestones later than others. This delay can affect both fine and gross motor skills. It can make it hard to keep up with classmates during physical activities.

Sensory Issues

Sensitivities to Sound, Light, Touch

Sensory issues are a big part of autism and fitness challenges. Many children with autism are very sensitive to sound, light, or touch.

Loud gyms or bright lights can feel too much. The feel of some sports equipment can also be uncomfortable.

• About 1 in 36 children worldwide have autism. Many have sensory processing issues.
• Sensory integration problems can cause poor motor coordination and trouble paying attention.
• Exercise programs with sensory-friendly activities can help improve these skills.

Impact on Participation

Sensory problems can make it hard to join group activities. Some people avoid sports or games because the environment feels too intense. This means fewer chances to make friends or build social skills.

Doing activities with sensory-friendly features can help you feel more comfortable and ready to join fitness programs.

Inactivity Risks

Obesity

Children with autism often move less than other kids. For example, only 17% of boys with autism ages 6-11 are active every day.

But 33% of boys without autism are active daily. Less activity raises the risk of obesity. More children with autism are overweight or obese compared to other kids.

Bone Density

Not moving enough can also hurt bone health. Studies show that autistic boys have lower bone density and strength. This is especially true in the wrist and leg bones. This means a higher risk of broken bones now and later.

Autism and fitness challenges are about more than just exercise. They affect health, joining in, and feeling good overall. Knowing about these challenges helps you find better ways to support yourself or others with autism.

Barriers to Activity

Communication

People with autism can find it hard to join activities. Communication problems make this even harder. Some kids need extra help when they exercise.

Parents say 60% of kids with autism need close watching. This can stop them from joining in. Many adults do not know how to include autistic kids in groups. About 58% of parents say staff or coaches are not trained. These gaps mean fewer chances for kids to take part.

Kids with autism may not say what they need. They might not understand instructions. This makes group games confusing. Some kids cannot ask for help or share feelings. These problems can make them feel upset. Exercise may not be fun for them.

• Many autistic kids have few friends, so joining activities is tough.
• About 23% of parents say other kids leave their child out.
• These barriers mean less joining in and fewer chances to make friends.

You can help by using simple words and pictures. Give clear steps during activities.

Social Exclusion

Social exclusion is another big problem. Kids with autism often feel left out. Parents say social barriers stop autistic kids from being active more than other kids.

Some kids do not get asked to play or join teams. This can make them feel alone. They may not want to try new things.

Autistic people may not understand social hints. Group sports can be stressful because things move fast. Busy gyms or loud fields can be too much. Worries about safety and fitness can also make them feel alone.

You can help by teaching teamwork and making everyone feel welcome. Special plans and help from caregivers can break these barriers.

• Autistic people may feel alone and not want to join because of social exclusion.
• You can help by including everyone and teaching others to accept differences.

Safety

Safety worries stop many autistic kids from joining fitness programs. Loud sounds and itchy clothes can make exercise hard. More than half of moms say noise and clothes keep their kids from joining. Some kids stay away from gyms or sports fields because of these problems.

Families worry about kids running off or getting hurt, especially outside. You can help by picking safe places and making sure someone is watching. Fixing these worries helps kids feel safe and ready to try new things.

You are important in helping break down autism and fitness barriers. By learning about communication, social exclusion, and safety, you can make better chances for everyone.

Lack of Programs

You may notice that finding fitness programs for autistic people is not easy. Many communities do not offer activities that fit the needs of autistic children and adults. Most gyms and sports clubs do not have staff who know how to support you. This makes joining in much harder.

Many programs focus on typical kids. They do not think about sensory needs or communication styles. You might see loud music, bright lights, or crowded spaces in these places.

These things can make you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed. You may want to join, but the environment does not work for you.

Some schools do not offer adapted physical education. Teachers may not know how to help you take part. You might sit out during gym class or watch others play. This means you miss chances to move, learn new skills, and make friends.

Only about 20% of fitness centers offer programs for people with disabilities. Even fewer have options for autistic people.

You may also find that sports teams do not welcome everyone. Coaches may not know how to include you. They may not understand your needs or how to change activities. You might feel left out or ignored.

Here are some common problems you might face:

• Few programs offer sensory-friendly activities.
• Staff often lack training in autism support.
• Most places do not use visual aids or clear instructions.
• You may not get one-on-one help.
• Registration forms and rules can be confusing.

You may want to be active, but the lack of programs stops you. This can lead to less exercise, more health problems, and fewer chances to build confidence. You might feel discouraged or lose interest in fitness.

You can ask your school or community center about starting new programs. You can share your needs with teachers and coaches.

Sometimes, families work together to create their own groups. You can look for online resources or advocacy groups that help you find activities.

If you cannot find a program, try simple activities at home. Walking, stretching, or dancing can help you stay active.

You deserve fitness programs that welcome you and meet your needs. More inclusive options can help you stay healthy, make friends, and enjoy being active.

Strategies for Autism and Fitness Challenges

Individualized Plans

You need a fitness plan that fits you. Many studies show personal exercise plans work best for people with autism. You can work with a trained physical educator.

They help you set goals and pick activities that match your skills. A good plan uses routines and structure. Schedules that stay the same help you feel calm and safe. Visual supports like timers and picture charts make things easier to follow.

You get short, frequent breaks during activities. These breaks help you stay interested and make exercise more fun. Sensory-friendly places help you feel comfortable.

Ask your coach or teacher to use pictures and simple steps. This makes activities easier to follow.

Adapted Activities

You can try different adapted activities to get fit. Martial arts, swimming, and dance therapy help you build motor skills and confidence.

Martial arts teach you how to move and work with others. Swimming gives you a calm place to move freely. Horseback riding helps you meet people and lowers sensory stress. Dance therapy helps you move better and show your feelings.

Exercise programs help you get stronger and last longer. Team sports teach you how to work with others and talk to teammates.

Research shows special activities help kids with autism get stronger, last longer, and move better. You can join programs that fit what you like and what feels good.

Here are some adapted activities you might enjoy:

• Martial arts: Helps you move and work with others
• Swimming: Gives you a calm, sensory-friendly space
• Horseback riding: Helps you meet people
• Dance therapy: Helps you move better
• Team sports: Teaches teamwork and talking

You can pick activities that fit your needs and interests. Good programs help you move better, make friends, and feel happier.

Inclusive Environments

You do best in places where everyone is welcome. Supportive settings help you join in and learn social skills. Programs like horseback riding and martial arts help you feel confident and excited.

Community programs like adaptive sports leagues and sensory gyms let you play and exercise with others.

Inclusive places have activities for all skill levels. You find sensory-friendly spaces and staff who know your needs. These programs help you meet people, make friends, and feel accepted. You can ask your community center or school about adaptive sports or sensory gyms.

Inclusive places help you beat autism and fitness challenges. You feel safe, supported, and ready to try new things.

Strength Training

Strength training gives you many benefits if you have autism. You build muscle, improve your health, and feel stronger every day.

You can use simple exercises like lifting light weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight movements. These activities help you move better and last longer during play or sports.

You may notice that your muscles feel weak compared to other kids. Strength training helps you catch up. You gain power in your arms, legs, and core. This makes it easier to run, jump, and play games. You also improve your posture and balance. When you feel strong, you want to join more activities.

Strength training does more than build muscle. You also boost your endurance. You can walk, climb stairs, or ride a bike for longer periods. Your body gets used to moving and working hard. This helps you stay active and healthy.

You also help your brain when you train your muscles. Studies show that stronger muscles link to better thinking skills. You may find it easier to focus, plan, and solve problems. Your confidence grows as you see progress.

Here is a table that shows how strength training helps you:

You can start with easy exercises. Try squats, wall push-ups, or lifting small objects. You can use resistance bands for extra challenge.

Always ask for help from a coach, teacher, or parent. They make sure you use safe movements and good form.

Start slow and add more exercises as you get stronger. Celebrate small wins and keep a chart of your progress.

Strength training helps you feel strong, think better, and stay healthy. You can use these exercises at home, in school, or with friends. You deserve to feel powerful and confident every day.

Benefits of Exercise

Physical Health

Cardiovascular Fitness

Being active helps your heart stay healthy. Exercise makes your heart pump blood better. It also keeps your body strong. People with autism may have more heart problems.

This is because they do not move as much. Activities like walking, swimming, or biking help your heart and lungs. Exercise also helps you balance and move better. This makes daily life easier.

• Exercise helps you move and balance better.
• Being active is good for your heart and health.
• Special exercise plans help your heart get stronger.

Weight Management

Moving more helps you control your weight. Many people with autism find it hard to stay active. This can make them gain weight.

Exercise burns calories and builds muscle. You might not lose weight fast, but you will feel stronger. Running, dancing, or playing sports helps you stay fit.

• People with autism can gain weight if they do not move much.
• Exercise helps you have a healthier body.

Try short and fun activities every day. This helps you keep your weight healthy.

Bone Health

Strong bones help you stay healthy and active. Exercise makes your bones grow and get stronger. Some people with autism have weaker bones. This means their bones can break more easily. Jumping, climbing, or lifting light weights helps your bones.

Emotional Well-Being

Reducing Anxiety

Exercise can help you feel calm and less worried. Many people with autism feel stress or worry. Moving your body, like doing yoga or group sports, helps you relax.

You may feel better after you exercise. Group activities like horseback riding or yoga can lower anxiety.

• Group sports, yoga, and horseback riding help you worry less.
• Being active can help you feel better around others.

Enhancing Mood

Exercise can make you feel happier. People with autism sometimes feel sad more often. When you move, your body makes chemicals that help you feel good. You may find it easier to focus after you exercise. Being active helps you feel proud and confident.

Even simple things like walking or stretching can help you feel better.

Social Skills

Teamwork

You learn teamwork when you play with others. Sports and games teach you to share and listen. Studies show that being active helps kids with autism talk and work with others. You practice talking and helping teammates.

• Being active helps kids with autism make friends.
• Team sports help you talk and work together.

Friendships

You can make friends by exercising with others. When you join a team, you meet people who like the same things. Playing together helps you trust and help each other. These friends help you feel included.

You may face fitness challenges, but exercise gives you ways to feel better. You can use these benefits to build a happier and healthier life.

Tips for Support

At Home

You can help your child move more at home. Make movement part of daily life. Pick activities your child likes and can do. Dancing to favorite songs is fun and gives energy.

Family games like charades or scavenger hunts get everyone moving. You can make chores into games, like sweeping with a timer.

Walking laps in the hallway or outside builds strength. Simple exercises like knee to elbow, planks, and squats need little space.

LEGO therapy mixes fine motor skills with movement breaks. Meditation and mindfulness teach calm and body awareness. Online videos show routines made for children with autism.

Here is a table with activities and their benefits:

Pick activities your child likes. Praise small wins with words or stickers.

At School

You can help students with autism by making school feel safe. Set a routine for physical activities. Schedules that stay the same help students feel calm. Use pictures and charts to show what comes next. This makes changes easier to understand.

Change activities often to keep students interested. Give choices and make changes so everyone can join. Use short and clear instructions. This helps students follow along. Use sign language or pictures to help students understand.

• Make routines for physical activities.
• Use pictures and charts.
• Change activities to keep interest.
• Give choices and make changes.
• Keep instructions short and clear.
• Use sign language or pictures if needed.

Including all students helps everyone learn and grow together.

In the Community

You can find ways to help your child be active in your community. Recreation programs help everyone feel included and happy. Sports and exercise groups build confidence and self-esteem. These programs give people with autism choices and chances to have fun.

Community programs help make friends and social connections. Group sports and exercise classes help with health. You help your child be more independent when you encourage joining in.

• Join local recreation or adaptive sports programs.
• Find sensory-friendly events and places.
• Let your child pick activities.
• Help friendships grow with group play.
• Celebrate progress and joining in.

Ask your community center about programs for everyone. You help your child feel welcome and confident when you join in.

Resources

Fitness Programs

There are many fitness programs for people with autism. These programs help you get stronger and feel better. You can also learn to talk and work with others.

If you exercise for 12 weeks or more, you may move better. You might talk more and repeat actions less. You can feel braver when you join these activities.

Here is a table with some good fitness programs and what they do:

You get more than just strong muscles from these programs. Exercise helps you worry less and feel happier. Group activities let you make friends and feel like you belong. Staying active helps you avoid getting overweight.

• Strong muscles and heart help you move and play.
• Feeling happier and less worried makes life better.
• Working with others helps you talk and make friends.
• Moving more keeps you from gaining too much weight.

Pick programs that you like and feel safe in. Ask about places with less noise or smaller groups.

Advocacy Groups

Advocacy groups help you find ways to be active. These groups make sure everyone can join in. You can go to events or sports that welcome people with autism.

Here is a table that shows how advocacy groups help:

You can ask local groups about events and programs. These groups work with schools and centers to make safe places.

Advocacy groups help you feel welcome and cared for. You can ask for help or join their events to meet new friends.

Professional Help

You may need help from trained people to get fit. Experts know how to help you reach your goals. You can work with trainers, therapists, teachers, or caregivers who know about autism.

Here is a table with types of help and what they need to know:

You can ask if someone has worked with autism before you start. Certified trainers and therapists use good methods to help you. Teachers and caregivers can help you at home or school.

Pick helpers who listen and change things for you. You should get support that helps you do your best.

You may have trouble with moving your body, feeling too much from sounds or lights, and making friends.

Doing activities made just for you and being in friendly places can help you get stronger and feel better about yourself.

Helping autistic people join in exercise makes talking, making friends, and staying healthy easier.
You can help by asking for better programs and learning what each person needs.

FAQ

What types of exercise work best for people with autism?

Pick activities that you like and that fit your needs. Swimming helps you move and feel calm. Martial arts teach you new skills and build confidence. Dance therapy lets you express yourself and get stronger. Sensory-friendly programs make exercise easier for you.

How can you make fitness activities more sensory-friendly?

Keep noise low and use gentle lights. Wear clothes that feel good. Try doing activities with small groups. Use headphones or sunglasses if you want. Take breaks when you feel stressed or tired.

Why do people with autism need adapted fitness programs?

Motor skill and sensory problems can make exercise hard. Adapted programs give clear steps and safe places. Activities match what you can do. These programs help you join in and feel part of the group.

How can you help your child join group sports?

Talk to coaches about what your child needs. Ask for simple rules and pictures to help. Cheer for teamwork and effort. Pick sports with flexible rules and kind staff.

What should you do if your child feels anxious during exercise?

Start with short and easy activities. Use routines and picture schedules. Give praise and let your child take breaks. Let them pick what they like. Calm breathing or stretching helps them relax.

Are there fitness resources for adults with autism?

Look for adult programs at gyms or community centers. Advocacy groups may offer classes too. Find trainers who know about autism. Online videos can help you stay active at home.

How do you know if a fitness program is inclusive?

Staff know how to help people with autism. The program makes sensory changes and gives clear steps. Activities fit all skill levels. Everyone feels safe and welcome.

Can exercise improve social skills for people with autism?

Group activities help you learn to talk and work with others. Team sports teach teamwork and talking. Exercise helps you make friends and feel more sure of yourself.