How Children with Autism can Benefit from Sports

There is an overwhelming amount of research that proves that exercise has a positive impact on children’s development in all areas. Physical activity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been extensively studied due to these children's risk of lower tone and higher obesity risk. Likewise, physical interventions are especially important for children with ASD since they are more likely to have deficits in motor skills, endurance, social skills, and other developmental markers.

The list of potential benefits of sports or other physical activity is long. Here are just some of the many skills that exercise can help develop:

• Improved attention
• Fosters organizational skills
• Better social function
• Emotional regulation
• Enhanced mood
• Heightened engagement
• Building endurance
• Reduced anxiety
• Confidence increase
• Improved quality of life

Experts recommend that all children get at least one hour of physical activity every day. Any type of movement is beneficial, but organized sports may be especially helpful for expanding social skills. For many children, sports also set the stage for a lifetime of physical activity.

The first thing to consider before signing your child up for a sport is your child’s unique interests and their current strengths and weaknesses. Here are some areas to keep in mind:

• Attention: Is your child’s current attention span prepared for a long, slow burn sport like baseball, for example?
• Social skills: Consider what level of teamwork your child is ready to engage in: are they up for a sport like volleyball that requires high levels of collaboration, or would a partner sport like tennis be more appropriate?
• Athletic ability: Some sports require more fine motor skills; others may have a focus on balance or strength. What is your child’s present physical ability, and what sports might be your best bet to build on these skills?
• Interests: Let your child’s interests be your guide. It’s okay if a sport doesn’t really resonate with your child. It’s also okay to keep trying until you find something your child can enjoy and be successful at.
• Longevity: If one of your overall goals for entering sports is to build your child’s social skills and make lasting social connections, you may want to consider a sport where they can continue in a league for several years in a row.

Depending on your area, the types of organized sports available, and your child’s individual interests and strengths, you may have plenty of options or you may find it tricky finding the perfect spot for your child. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other professional on your child’s team of interventionists may be able to help point you in the right direction or weigh in to help you find the best fit possible.

Positive Reinforcement ABA therapy  offers children in home ABA therapy services in Richmond Virginia, Somerset Kentucky, North Virginia, West Virginia and surrounding areas.