Alright, it’s time to get those little limbs moving! Here are some fundamental exercises that can help autistic children improve their motor skills, coordination, and balance.
1. Animal Walks
Who says exercise can’t be fun? Animal walks are a great way to get kids moving while also stimulating their imaginations. Have them pretend to be different animals, such as a bear, crab, or frog, and walk around the room using the animal’s movements. This exercise helps improve gross motor skills and coordination.
2. Yoga
Yoga isn’t just for adults; kids can do it too! Yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, and body awareness. Try simple poses like downward dog, tree pose, and child’s pose. Just make sure to keep it fun and engaging for the child.
3. Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course using everyday objects like pillows, cones, and chairs. Have the child crawl under the pillows, jump over the cones, and weave in and out of the chairs. This exercise helps improve gross motor skills, coordination, and balance.
4. Balloon Volleyball
Who needs a net when you have a balloon? Blow up a balloon and have the child hit it back and forth with their hands or a paddle. This exercise helps improve hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.
5. Simon Says
Simon says touch your toes! Simon says jump up and down! This classic game is a great way to get kids moving while also improving their listening skills and body awareness.
Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be boring or tedious. With a little creativity and imagination, you can make it fun and engaging for children with autism.
Aquatic Exercises
For autistic children, aquatic exercises can be a great way to improve their physical and social skills while having fun. Here are some examples of aquatic exercises that can be included in a workout routine.
Pool Noodle Fiesta
Pool noodles are not just for floating around the pool. They can also be used as a tool for exercise. To start, have the child sit on the noodle while holding onto the sides. Then, have them move their legs in a bicycle motion. This exercise can help improve their leg muscles and coordination.
Another exercise that can be done with pool noodles is the noodle crawl. Have the child hold onto the noodle with their arms and move their legs to crawl across the pool. This exercise can help improve their upper body strength and coordination.
Marco Polo Aerobics
Marco Polo is not just a game for kids. It can also be turned into an exercise routine. Have the child close their eyes and call out “Marco” while swimming around the pool. The other children can respond with “Polo”, and the child has to try and tag them. This exercise can help improve their cardiovascular endurance while having fun.
Another exercise that can be done is the Marco Polo aerobics. Have the child swim around the pool while doing different exercises such as jumping jacks, squats, and lunges. This exercise can help improve their overall strength and endurance.
Aquatic exercises can be a great way for autistic children to improve their physical and social skills while having fun. The pool noodle fiesta and Marco Polo aerobics are just a few examples of exercises that can be included in a workout routine.
Sensory Integration Exercises
Autistic children often have difficulty processing sensory information, making exercise challenging. However, with the right approach, exercise can be an enjoyable and beneficial activity for children with autism. In this section, we’ll explore some sensory-friendly exercises that can help improve body awareness, coordination, and balance.
Balancing Act
Balance exercises are a great way to improve proprioception and body awareness. One fun exercise is to have the child stand on one leg while throwing a ball back and forth with a partner. This exercise improves balance and helps with coordination and social skills. Another fun exercise is to have the child walk on a balance beam or a line on the ground. This exercise can be made more challenging by having the child carry a bean bag or a ball while walking.
Swinging to the Rhythm
Swinging is a great way to provide deep pressure input, which can be calming and regulating for children with autism. One fun exercise is to have the child swing back and forth while holding a ball or a bean bag. This exercise can be made more challenging by having the child catch and throw the ball while swinging. Another fun exercise is to have the child lie on a swing and spin around in circles. This exercise can be made more challenging by having the child close their eyes while spinning. ( Extra care is much needed by parents or caregivers.)
Group Exercises
Autistic children can benefit greatly from group exercises that promote teamwork and social skills. Here are a few fun group exercises that can help children with autism develop these skills.
Pass the Ball, Please
Pass the Ball, Please is a great exercise for children who love basketball. The game involves passing the ball around in a circle, with each player taking a turn to catch and pass the ball. The goal is to keep the ball moving around the circle without dropping it. Not only does this game help children develop their basketball skills, but it also promotes teamwork and communication.
Circle of Friends Tag
Circle of Friends Tag is a fun game that promotes social skills and physical activity. The game involves forming a circle with a group of children, with one child in the middle. The child in the middle is “it” and must try to tag another player in the circle. The other players must work together to keep the child in the middle from tagging anyone. This game promotes teamwork, communication, and physical activity.
Group exercises can be a fun and effective way for children with autism to develop social skills and physical fitness. By promoting teamwork and communication, these exercises can help children with autism build confidence and improve their overall well-being.
Relaxation and Stretching Exercises
Autistic children can benefit from relaxation and stretching exercises to help them calm down and reduce anxiety. Here are two simple exercises that can be easily incorporated into a daily routine.
Breathe In, Breathe Out
The first exercise is all about breathing. It’s called “Breathe In, Breathe Out”, and it’s as simple as it sounds. The child should sit down in a comfortable position, close their eyes, and take a deep breath in through their nose. Then they should slowly exhale through their mouth. Repeat this process for a few minutes, focusing on the breath and letting go of any thoughts or worries.
This exercise can be done anytime, anywhere, and is a great way to help the child relax and refocus. It’s also a good way to introduce the concept of mindfulness and meditation to children.
Stretch Like a Cat
The second exercise is called “Stretch Like a Cat.” It’s a fun way to get the child moving and stretching their muscles. The child should start on their hands and knees, with their hands directly under their shoulders and their knees directly under their hips. Then they should arch their back up like a cat, tucking their chin into their chest. Hold this position for a few seconds, then release and lower their back down.
Repeat this process a few times, encouraging the child to move slowly and deliberately. This exercise can help improve flexibility, balance, and coordination.
