As Director of the ASD Fitness Program at 92Y in New York, and in my private practice, I work with children on the autism spectrum who are ages three to 18. Exercise “homework” is an important part of the programs, and I often recommend simple gross motor activities like these.
Read MoreParents ask how I convince children on the spectrum to exercise. The most important answer is that I work at making fitness fun for #autistic children. We start with a complete physical assessment and learn about the child’s interests. The most important answer is that I work at making fitness fun. Beyond exercise, I help to create a sense of values, accomplishment and self-worth for the autistic children and young adults I coach. These are building blocks to self-esteem, self-reliance and social interaction.
Read MoreWe brought our trampoline to the 2019 IncludeNYC Fair, New York City’s largest event for families and young people with autism and disabilities. At least 100 of the children on the spectrum who attended jumped on our trampoline. They had fun while enjoying trampolining's huge fitness benefits for autism.
Besides being a lot of fun, jumping on a trampoline helps children on the spectrum to improve motor skills, coordination and balance. Trampolining is also a great way to meet kids’ sensory stimulation requirements, provide lots of movement to stimulate their senses, and create a focused activity to do when they feel over-stimulated.
Read MoreWe’ll be at IncludeNYC Fair on Saturday, Jan 20 from 11am-3pm at fully accessible Hotel Pennsylvania - 401 Seventh Ave (between 32nd & 33rd St) Meet us and more than 80 providers of after school and year-round programs for children with ASD and special needs. The event is free to attend and children are welcome.
Read MoreHow can you motivate an #autistic teenager to stick with an exercise program? Rewards!
But the reward you choose has to have a high value for the child, and align with the child’s age, ability and interests..
Read MoreThe top 5 exercises for children on the spectrum are incrementally progressed depending on age, ability and interests. These five important exercises are incrementally progressed.
Read MoreJetpulse Comics is a father-and-son project that was created to uplift, encourage and raise awareness about children and other individuals all over the world who are on the autism spectrum.
Read MoreSeven apps to help calm people with #autism, anxiety and special needs.
Read MoreFamilies with children on the #autism spectrum show us what living with autism is like, in their own words — their struggles, their concerns and, most of all, the way they’re fighting for the same thing every parent wants: to make sure their kids get the opportunities they deserve.
Read MoreBBC’s weekly “1800 Seconds on Autism” Podcast is hosted by charming and often funny autistic hosts Robyn Steward, Jamie Knight and guests discussing life on the #autism spectrum
