Skip and play hopscotch with your autistic child

One of the major challenges when working with autistic people is getting them to do new things. Therefore, the earlier caregivers can get them to make physical activities a part of their lifestyle, the better.

Physical activity such as walking, cycling, running, and jumping jacks will strengthen brain function that helps improve the stability of the trunk and its ability to balance and coordinate. Thus, the correct exercise prescription is one of the best modes of interventions to help autistic individuals cope.

The best way to address the needs of autistic individuals is to get them involved in a variety of activities that will help in the development of their general fitness with emphasis on balance and coordination. Bouncing on a rebounder, skipping, swinging, crawling, hopscotch, spinning, rolling, somersaulting, doing cartwheels, hanging upside down, rocking in a rocking chair, and dancing are all useful activities for developing coordination and balance. These activities will also improve their reaction time as they learn to integrate information based on what they see, feel, and anticipate from the movements of their arms, legs and other body parts.

Develop hand-eye coordination

Throwing, catching, bouncing large balls with both hands then doing the same with smaller balls also help the development of hand-eye coordination, visual ability to track moving objects, and improve reaction time. Activities that involve hitting objects with a bat, stick or racquet, throwing and catching are important for the autistic to develop the ability to learn to integrate information from the left and right hemispheres of the brain and increase the speed at which they learn to process information.

Other activities such as swimming, walking or crawling through a maze, negotiating one's way through an obstacle course are also useful in increasing attention span and the ability to integrate information in autistic individuals.

Play an instrument

Playing a musical instrument, playing with toys that can be assembled and disassembled, and building blocks will develop the manipulative skills of autistic individuals. Riding the stationary bicycle will also provide a safe and rewarding workout that they tend to enjoy.

It is good to solicit the help of siblings in the demonstration and performance of the physical activities to increase autistic individuals' social interactions and to act as a model in the socialisation process. When goals are achieved, the success is vicarious and it helps the autistic individual to gain confidence and improve self-esteem.

Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.