Autism Exercise Activities

Exercise improves physical and mental health in everyone, and it is no different for autistic individuals. Regular aerobic activity reduces a range of inappropriate behaviors--hyperactivity, self-injury, and aggression--and it also increases positive behaviors by reducing the stress and anxiety related to social interaction and sensory difficulties.

Considerations

• It is important to examine the preferences and comfort level of the autistic individual before selecting an activity. An autistic individual will not know what activity will likely become his favorite, so take time to experiment and explore. Whatever activities become part of his live, find ways to introduce other people, to improve social skills while doing something enjoyable.

Sensory Activities

• Sensory exercises engage the senses, in addition to the fun of the activity. These will also help the autistic practice and experiment with different stimuli in a safe environment, which often improves their ability to navigate real-life situations. Gardening and baking are excellent hands-on sensory activities. Some classic childhood games can also be appropriate: hand puppets, catch, tag, board games or identification games like I-Spy and memory.

Sports

• Team sports are not recommended for autistic individuals due to the subtleties of social interaction required. Aerobics classes, swimming, hiking or golf are more appropriate activities. With sports it is important to downplay if not eliminate competition. The focus should be increasing attention span, diversifying social interaction, physical exertion and enjoyment.

Art

• Music, visual arts, drama and dance are activities easily adapted to the sensitive autistic nature. Play music and encourage movement (dance), explore the different feelings associated with different styles of music. Read poems or stories and encourage acting out the parts. Help the autistic individual select an instrument and let them touch, see and play it. Provide art supplies, encourage drawing, painting or crafts.

Warnings

• The addition of new stimuli--auditory, visual, tactile, scent and social--along with the change of routine, and simply engaging in activity can be upsetting and lead to an increase in negative behaviors. Do not force anything, but don't give up either, the potential benefits to be gained are too great. In some situations, it may be best to start with autism focused exercise and activity DVDs.