Better sleep. More energy throughout the day. Peace of mind. There are so many benefits to having an active lifestyle. Children that exercise at least sixty minutes a day are shown to have lower chances of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure as they get older. Children with autism reap all these benefits and more. Daily exercise promotes physical health, emotional well-being, and can help them develop motor skills. Beyond that, engaging in activities is also a good opportunity for them to foster social interaction. 

Here are ten effective strategies to promote physical activity for children with autism in Toronto. 

1. Make It Sensory-Friendly

If you’re going to go on a jog with your child, avoid the busy main roads, and stick to the quieter side streets. No matter what kind of exercise you do, think ahead if there will be loud noises, bright lights, or uncomfortable textures involved. Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities, so it’s important to select activities and environments that are mindful of their preferences. Consider taking up swimming. When it comes to children with autism, it’s not uncommon for water-based activities to be popular because the feel and flow of water can be calming.

2. Start Small And Build Gradually

Start slow. There’s no need to introduce an active lifestyle like you’re going to be competing in a triathlon next week. When it comes to children with autism, they may feel overwhelmed by a new routine, so it’s going to be something that you’ll have to bring in gradually. Begin with short, simple activities, like skipping rope for two minutes, or walking around the block, and gradually increase the intensity or duration as the activities become more familiar. The main thing is that you do it every day (or several times a week), if you can do it at the same time of day, even better. Consistency is key to building confidence and interest.

3. Incorporate Their Interests

It’s not uncommon for children with autism to have intense preoccupations in things like dinosaurs, trains, or superheroes (and the list goes on). Wherever you can, try to link the physical activities you’re introducing to these specific interests. For instance, if your child enjoys fish, visit an aquarium where walking is part of the experience. If they love video games, consider getting a Wii Fit that incorporates movement into virtual gaming.

4. Turn Exercise Into Play

It’s possible to get the body moving and have fun at the same time. Done right, exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore. You just need to find the activity that’s right for you and your child. For instance, you might want to introduce movement through fun games like jump rope, hopscotch, freeze tag, monkey bars, or scavenger hunts. Show your child activities that will give them the freedom to explore movement in an enjoyable and unstructured way.

5. Use Visual Schedules

Before putting on the sweatbands, sometimes it’s handy to have the plans for the activity mapped out in advance. Children with autism often benefit from clear, visual guidance. Make up a poster, a pictograph, or a flow chart schedule with pictures or symbols that outline the activity. For instance, you can prepare them for what’s coming and reduce their anxiety by illustrating the day’s activities using images of a park or swimming pool, or whatever event you have planned.  

6. Provide Social Opportunities

Some people are drawn to solo sports like swimming or running. Others lean to group activities, such as dance classes, soccer, or martial arts. This can be an efficient way to help your child develop social skills while being active. If large settings feel intimidating to your child, consider small or one-on-one sessions doing things like tennis or badminton where they can gradually get comfortable participating with others. 

7. Focus On Gross Motor Skills

Exercise is good for the heart, lungs, and muscles, but it’s also great practice for the brain as well. Beyond quelling anxiety and bringing peace of mind, it also helps your child develop gross motor skills. When picking the exercise that’s right for you and your child, think of things that will help with their dexterity and agility like jumping, climbing, or biking. These activities are not only great for physical development but also for improving coordination and body awareness.

8. Be A Role Model

A game of catch. A quick jog. Maybe even a few laps at the pool. If you are into exercise, your child is more likely to follow suit. Studies have shown that children are more likely to engage in exercise when they see adults or peers participating. Make family walks, hikes, or yoga sessions a regular part of your routine. Your enthusiasm can inspire them to join in.

9. Celebrate Success

An encouraging word can go a long way towards getting a child to lace up their sneakers. At Monarch House, we are big believers in positive reinforcement and we see every day how it can work wonders. Try it at home. Celebrate your child’s efforts and achievements, no matter how small. Screen time, a sticker, or a special little treat from the corner store can build their confidence and motivate them to keep trying.

10. Adapt And Be Flexible

When at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If they’re not into skipping rope, try running. If that doesn’t take, try swimming. Mix it up. Be open to experimenting with different activities and adjust based on their responses. The goal is to find something they enjoy and feel comfortable doing.

There are so many upsides to being active every day. Regular exercise benefits not just physical health but also emotional and sensory regulation for autistic children. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help you come up with activities and familiarize your child with them from our clinics. By creating a supportive and encouraging environment specifically tailored to their needs, we can work together to help children with autism in Toronto develop a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.