Physical Activity Effects on Children with Autism
Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can manifest in communication and behavior challenges. Children with ASD tend to have difficulty with physical activity and motor skills. Because engaging in physical activity is important for childrens overall healthy development, particularly when it comes to learning in the zone of proximal development (ZPD), it is important to consider the effects of physical activity on children with autism (Roslan et al., 2022). What are the challenges? What are the benefits? This paper examines the topic from the perspective of physical activitys impact on autistic childrens physical health, behavior, and academic development.
Physical Health Benefits
Regular physical activity improves cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic health, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. For children with ASD, who often have higher rates of obesity and sedentary behavior compared to their typically developing peers, engaging in physical activity can be particularly beneficial.
Children with ASD tend to spend more time in sedentary activities and have less physical activity engagement (Haegele et al., 2017). Studies have revealed, however, that incorporating regular physical activity can help to improve their physical health. For example, Ranieri et al. (2023) showed that school-aged children with ASD who participated in physical activities exhibited better physical fitness levels and reduced obesity rates compared to those who were less active. Physical activity contributed to weight reduction via the interchange between gut microbiota and the bodys ability to metabolize (Ranieri et al., 2023). It also contributes to other aspects of the childs health as well, however, as in improving motor skills, supporting overall metabolic profiles, increasing overall physical fitness, and boosting student engagement (Harbin et al., 2022). These improvements can lead to a healthier lifestyle with healthy habits.
Furthermore, exercise has been shown to improve behavioral and social outcomes for children with ASD (Harbin et al., 2022). For example, physical activities like team sports or structured exercise programs can enhance social skills by encouraging interaction with peers, improving communication, and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This approach to managing ASD through physical activity addresses physical health and psychological needs, and indicates that children with ASD can be supported greatly by being taught regular physical activity exercises.
Behavioral Outcomes
Physical activity has been linked to various positive behavioral outcomes in children with ASD. Antecedent exercise (AE), which involves physical exertion prior to engaging in other activities, has been shown to decrease disruptive behaviors and improve focus and on-task behavior in children with ASD?? (Harbin et al., 2022). Children with ASD who participated in vigorous, high-intensity physical activity, such as jogging or dancing, showed substantial reductions in stereotypic behaviors and increases in academic engagement (Harbin et al., 2022)??. These findings suggest that integrating high-intensity (as opposed to low- or moderate-intensity workouts such as yoga or stretching) physical activity into the daily routine of children with ASD can have positive benefits for their behavioral and cognitive functioning.
Academic Engagement
Academic engagement and on-task behavior are critical components of successful learning in children with ASD. Physical activity has been identified as a key factor in promoting better academic outcomes by enhancing attention, reducing hyperactivity, and improving executive functioning. Children with ASD who participate in regular physical activity are more likely to have sustained improved academic performance and classroom behavior. Harbin et al. (2022) and Ranieri et al. (2023) showed the effects of embedded antecedent exercise on the engagement of young children with ASD in early childhood settings??, and they found that incorporating short bursts of physical activity, such as jogging or playing on playground equipment, helps with metabolism and results ultimately in...
…Training for teachers and staff on how to include children with ASD in physical activities is also crucial (Hilton & Ratcliffe, 2022). Physical education classes tailored to the abilities of children with ASD can help with their physical health and their social inclusion. Modifying traditional sports to be more inclusive can help children with ASD participate more fully. Activities like swimming or martial arts can be helpful since they are a form of structure physical activity in a controlled environment.Implementing Physical Activity Breaks
Regular physical activity breaks throughout the school day can help children with ASD stay engaged and reduce disruptive behaviors. Teachers and caregivers can use activities like yoga, dance, or structured play to provide regular physical activity opportunities. These breaks can be scheduled at regular intervals and tailored to the preferences and abilities of each child.
Likewise, involving children with ASD in physical education classes that are tailored to their abilities can help, but these classes should focus on developing fundamental motor skills, coordination, and social skills by way of simplified instructions, visual supports, and individualized goals (Harbin et al., 2022). For example, a physical education teacher might use visual schedules to outline the steps of a game or activity, and thus help the child to better understand what is supposed to be done.
Conclusion
Physical activity has major effects on children with autism, as it positively impacts their physical health, behavior, and academic engagement. Participating regularly in physical activity can considerably improve the well-being of children with ASD. However, there are likely to be challenges and barriers to participation. In spite of this, some strategies such as creating supportive environments and using evidence-based interventions can help increase physical activity levels in this population. Instructors and care givers should be made aware of the positive effects of high-intensity physical activity and should be…
References
Haegele, J. A., Lee, J., & Chang, S. H. (2017). Physical activity of parents of children withautism spectrum disorder. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 64(4), 368-377.
Harbin, S. G., Davis, C. A., Sandall, S., & Fettig, A. (2022). The effects of physical activity onengagement in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Early Childhood Education Journal, 50(1461-1473).
Hilton, C., & Ratcliff, K. (2022). Sensory processing and motor issues in autism spectrumdisorders. In Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment (pp. 73-112). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Ranieri, A., Mennitti, C., Falcone, N., La Monica, I., Di Iorio, M. R., Tripodi, L., ... &Lombardo, B. (2023). Positive effects of physical activity in autism spectrum disorder: how influences behavior, metabolic disorder and gut microbiota. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1238797.
Roslan, F., Selvam, L., Pandian, T., Rahman, M. N. B. A., & Motevalli, S. (2022). A SystematicReview on Physical, Cognitive, and Social-Emotional Development of Pre-Schoolers. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 11(1), 48-61.
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