So, you’ve decided to try weighted vest exercises for your child with autism. Congratulations, you’re on the right track! Now comes the fun part: choosing the right vest.
First things first, you want to make sure the vest fits properly. You don’t want your child looking like they’re wearing a potato sack, do you? No, you want them to look stylish and put together, even while working out. Look for vests that come in various sizes and styles so you can find the perfect fit for your child.
Next, you want to consider the weight of the vest. You don’t want your child feeling like they’re carrying a boulder on their chest, do you? No, you want them to feel comfortable and supported. Look for vests that have adjustable weights, so you can gradually increase or decrease the weight as needed.
But wait, there’s more! You also want to consider the material of the vest. You don’t want your child sweating like a pig, do you? No, you want them to stay cool and dry. Look for vests that are made of breathable materials, such as mesh or neoprene.
Finally, you want to make sure the vest is easy to put on and take off. You don’t want your child struggling like a turtle on its back, do you? No, you want them to be able to get in and out of the vest quickly and easily. Look for vests that have easy-to-use closures, such as velcro or zippers.
Getting Started
When it comes to using weighted vests for autism, safety is key. It’s important to start slow and work your way up to heavier weights. As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither should your sensory integration plan.
Before starting any exercise with a weighted vest, it’s important to make sure that it fits properly. A vest that is too loose or too tight can cause discomfort and even injury. So, make sure to adjust the straps and buckles to fit snugly but not too tight.
Another essential safety tip is always to supervise the person wearing the vest. This is especially important if they are new to using a weighted vest or have difficulty with balance and coordination. A spotter can help ensure that the exercises are done correctly and safely.
It’s also essential to choose the right exercises for the person’s needs and abilities. Start with simple exercises, such as walking or gentle bouncing, and gradually work up to more challenging activities, such as jumping jacks or squats.
Remember, the goal is to provide sensory input in a safe and controlled way. So, start slow, be patient, and always prioritize safety. With the right approach, weighted vest exercises can be a fun and effective way to promote sensory integration and overall well-being.
The Workout
Looking for a workout that’s fun, functional, and autism-friendly? Look no further than weighted vest exercises! By adding a little extra heft to your child’s movements, you can help them build strength, coordination, and confidence.
The Balancing Act
First up, the balancing act! With a weighted vest, your child can take their coordination drills to the next level. Try setting up a simple obstacle course with cones or other markers. Then, have your child move through the course while wearing their vest. This will help them build balance, stability, and spatial awareness.
Jump Around
Next, let’s get jumping! Weighted vests can be a great tool for sensory integration through movement. Try having your child jump on a trampoline or exercise ball while wearing their vest. This will help them regulate their sensory input and build body awareness.
Stronger Every Day
Finally, let’s talk resistance training! With a weighted vest, your child can add a little extra oomph to their strength-building exercises. Try having them do bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges while wearing their vest. This will help them build muscle and endurance over time.
So there you have it! With a bit of creativity and a lot of fun, you can help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence with weighted vest exercises.
Managing Overstimulation During Exercise
Exercise can be a great way to manage the symptoms of autism, but it’s important to remember that it can also be overstimulating. Overstimulation can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and other negative reactions. To prevent this, it’s important to keep cool during exercise.
One way to keep it cool is to wear a weighted vest. Weighted vests provide deep pressure input, which can have a calming effect on the body. However, it’s essential to start with a low weight and gradually increase it over time.
Another way to keep it cool is to take frequent breaks. This can help prevent overstimulation and allow the body to rest and recover. It’s also important to listen to the body and stop exercising if it becomes too overwhelming.
It’s essential to create a calming exercise environment. This can include dimming the lights, playing calming music, and using aromatherapy. It’s also important to choose exercises that are calming and not overstimulating.
Tracking Progress
When it comes to tracking progress, it’s important to celebrate the small victories. After all, every little bit counts! Whether it’s an increase in focus during a weighted vest exercise or a decrease in anxiety levels, progress is progress.
One way to track progress is to keep a journal. This can be a simple notebook or a fancy app, or it can be whatever works best for the individual. Write down the date, the exercise performed, and any observations or notes. This will help keep track of what’s working and what’s not.
Another way to track progress is to set goals. Start with small, achievable goals and work up from there. For example, the goal might be to do five minutes of a weighted vest exercise without getting distracted. Once that goal is achieved, increase it to ten minutes, and so on.
It’s also important to celebrate the small victories along the way. Did the individual complete an entire exercise without getting distracted? Celebrate with a high-five or a dance party! Did anxiety levels decrease during exercise? Celebrate with a relaxing activity afterward.
Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. By tracking progress and celebrating the small victories, individuals can stay motivated and continue to improve.
