Balance is an essential skill that helps toddlers move around safely and confidently. It allows them to stand, walk, run, jump, and climb easily. For autistic toddlers, balance can be an even bigger challenge. They may struggle with coordination, spatial awareness, and sensory processing issues. This can make it harder for them to navigate their environment and engage in physical activities.
But fear not, dear reader! There are plenty of ways to help your little one improve their balance and build their confidence. Incorporating fun and engaging exercises into your daily routine can help your child wobble their way to wellness.
When it comes to balance exercises for autistic toddlers, it’s important to keep things simple and fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Balance beam: Create a makeshift balance beam using a long piece of tape or a line of pillows. Please encourage your child to walk along the beam, one foot in front of the other, while keeping their arms out to the side for balance.
- Yoga poses: Yoga can be a great way to improve balance and coordination. Try simple poses like tree pose, warrior pose, and downward dog. You can even make it a game by having your child mimic animal poses like cat, cow, and cobra.
- Sensory play: Sensory play can help your child develop their spatial awareness and proprioception (the sense of where their body is in space). Try activities like jumping on a trampoline, bouncing on a therapy ball, or playing with a balance board.
Remember, the key to success is to make it fun and engaging for your child. Don’t worry if they wobble or fall over at first – that’s all part of the learning process. With a little patience and practice, your child will be wobbling their way to wellness in no time!
Getting Started – Pre-Balance Warm-Ups
Before jumping into balance exercises, it’s important to warm up those little muscles and joints. Here are a few pre-balance warm-up exercises to get those toddlers ready to rock and roll.
Stretching
Stretching is important for any exercise routine, and balance exercises are no exception. Make sure to stretch all the major muscle groups, including the arms, legs, and torso. Encourage the little ones to reach for the sky, touch their toes, and twist from side to side.
To make stretching more fun, turn it into a game of Simon Says. “Simon says touch your toes!” “Simon says reach for the sky!” You get the idea.
Safety First
Safety should always come first, especially when it comes to toddlers and playgrounds. Make sure the area where the balance exercises will take place is well-padded with soft mats or foam blocks.
If you’re feeling extra cautious, you can even add some pillows or bean bags to the mix. Hey, better safe than sorry, right?
With these pre-balance warm-up exercises and safety precautions in place, those little ones will be ready to tackle any balance challenge that comes their way. Let’s get to it!
Simple Balance Exercises
Looking for some fun balance exercises for your little ones? Look no further! These exercises are sure to get your toddler moving and grooving while improving their balance skills.
Bubble Pop
This exercise is perfect for improving balance and coordination. All you need is some bubble wrap and a flat surface. Have your toddler stand on the bubble wrap and try to pop as many bubbles as they can while maintaining their balance. For an added challenge, try having them pop bubbles with only one foot on the ground.
The Floor Is Lava
This classic game is not only fun, but it also helps improve balance and coordination. Place various objects on the ground (pillows, stuffed animals, etc.) and have your toddler navigate through the “stepping stones” without touching the ground. Encourage them to step carefully and use their arms for balance.
These fun balance exercises are a great way to get your toddler moving and improving their skills. Plus, who doesn’t love popping bubble wrap or pretending the floor is lava?
Balance Buddies
Balance exercises can be a fun way for autistic toddlers to improve their coordination and balance. But did you know that these exercises can also help them develop their social skills? Here are some fun balanced activities that can help your little ones learn to work together and communicate effectively.
Mirror Moves
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most balanced of them all? In this game, two toddlers stand facing each other, with one leading the movements and the other copying them. The leader can do anything from simple arm movements to complex dance routines. The key is to keep the movements slow and steady, so the follower has time to copy them accurately.
This game helps toddlers develop their balance and coordination, as well as their ability to communicate non-verbally. It’s also a great way to build trust and empathy, as each toddler takes turns leading and following.
Team Teeter-Totter
Teeter-totters are a classic playground staple, but they can also be used to teach toddlers about teamwork and balance. In this game, two toddlers sit on opposite ends of a teeter-totter, trying to keep it balanced by shifting their weight back and forth.
To make it more challenging, you can add a third toddler in the middle, who acts as a “wild card” and tries to throw off the balance. This game helps toddlers learn to work together towards a common goal, as well as develop their proprioceptive sense (the ability to sense where their body is in space).
Celebrating Balance Milestones
Now that your little one has been practicing balance exercises, it’s time to celebrate their achievements! Tracking their progress is an essential part of the process, and it’s also a great way to boost their confidence and motivation.
One fun way to track progress is to create a chart or a graph. You can make it as simple or as fancy as you like, depending on your child’s age and interests. For example, you could use stickers or stamps to mark each milestone, or you could create a colorful graph using markers or paint.
Another idea is to use a balance board or a balance ball to create a game. You can challenge your child to balance for longer and longer periods or to try different positions or movements. For example, you could ask them to balance on one foot or to reach for a toy while maintaining their balance.
Don’t forget to celebrate their triumphs! You can use positive reinforcement such as praise, high-fives, or a special treat. You could also create a certificate or a medal to mark their achievements.
Remember, the most important thing is to make it enjoyable for your child. With a bit of creativity and a lot of enthusiasm, you can help your little one develop their balance skills and achieve new milestones.
