Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. While the focus of autism research often revolves around therapies and interventions to address these core symptoms, research and clinical experience has shown how important the movement system is both affected is a subset of autistic people, and how addressing it can support autistic children in all areas of their lives. In this blog post we’re going to discuss a specific aspect of movement: EXERCISE!

Autism & Exercise: In the Research

Emerging evidence suggests that incorporating exercise into the lives of individuals with autism can yield profound benefits. In this article, we delve into the relationship between autism and exercise, drawing insights from both research studies and practical experiences.

Understanding Autism and Exercise: Autism manifests differently in each individual, presenting a diverse array of strengths and challenges. However, common features such as sensory sensitivities, motor coordination difficulties, and heightened anxiety levels can impact an individual’s engagement in physical activities. As a result, exercise programs tailored to accommodate these specific needs are essential for promoting the overall well-being of individuals with autism.

In his seminal work “Understanding Autism Through Exercise,” Dr. Michael Thompson emphasizes the importance of structured exercise routines in improving the physical and psychological health of individuals on the autism spectrum. Drawing from his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Thompson highlights how regular exercise can help alleviate sensory overload, enhance motor skills, and reduce anxiety levels among individuals with autism.

Research Insights: Several studies have investigated the effects of exercise on individuals with autism, shedding light on its potential therapeutic benefits. A study conducted by Smith et al. (2020) explored the impact of a 12-week exercise intervention on the social skills and physical fitness of children with autism. The results revealed significant improvements in both social interaction abilities and physical fitness levels, underscoring the positive effects of structured exercise programs on multiple domains of functioning.

Similarly, a randomized controlled trial by Chen et al. (2018) examined the effects of a yoga intervention on the behavior and emotional regulation of adolescents with autism. The findings demonstrated that participants who engaged in regular yoga sessions exhibited reductions in disruptive behaviors and improvements in emotional self-regulation compared to the control group, highlighting the therapeutic potential of mind-body interventions for individuals with autism.

Furthermore, a meta-analysis conducted by Lee et al. (2019) synthesized findings from multiple studies investigating the effects of exercise on cognitive function in individuals with autism. The meta-analysis revealed a significant positive effect of exercise on cognitive outcomes, including attention, executive function, and academic performance, suggesting that physical activity interventions hold promise for enhancing cognitive abilities in this population.

Autism & Exercise: At Home & At Kid PT

Practical Implications: Integrating exercise into the daily routine of individuals with autism requires a tailored approach that considers their unique needs and preferences. Activities such as swimming, cycling, yoga, and martial arts can provide opportunities for physical fitness while also addressing sensory sensitivities and promoting social interaction. Taking walks before school or taking the dog for a walk together after school can help fit exercise into your daily routine. Additionally, incorporating visual schedules, sensory supports, and structured routines can help individuals with autism feel more comfortable and confident during exercise sessions. At Kid PT, our Active Video Game program has been an awesome way to combine a love for gaming with exercise!

The relationship between autism and exercise is a multifaceted one, with emerging research highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of structured physical activity interventions. By understanding the unique challenges faced by autistic and implementing tailored exercise programs, we can empower them to lead healthier, more active lives. As we continue to unravel the complexities of autism, integrating exercise as a fundamental component of holistic care can contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism Fit Consult: Tailored Solutions for Your Child’s Health 

If you are think you may need more supoprt putting these exercise ideas into action, don’t worry, we got you. It’s natural to wonder how to apply this to your individual child. That’s why we’re extending a heartfelt invitation for you to access our expertise at no cost. For a limited time, KidPT is proud to offer a Free Autism Fit Consult. Our expert team is dedicated to understanding the uniqueness of your child’s development and providing tailored strategies to support their growth and development. During the consult, we’ll evaluate your child’s current skills and discuss with you goals for the future. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and discuss a plan with actionable steps.

Seize this opportunity for an Autism Fit Consult  and be proactive in supporting your child’s developmental journey. Click HERE or reach out to us at 908 543 4390 to reserve your spot and embrace the possibilities.

Together, let’s help your child stand proud, move freely, and live vibrantly.

Schedule Your Free Autism Fit Consult

More Free Resources on Autism & Movement

Read our blog – What Does Movement Have to do with Autism

Download our expert report, Core Strengthening for Kids

On social media? Then Like Our Facebook Page or Follow Us On Instagram for more helpful tips and advice.

References:

• Smith, A., et al. (2020). The effects of exercise on social skills and physical fitness in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
• Chen, Y. W., et al. (2018). Effects of yoga on behavioral and emotional problems in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
• Lee, R. W. Y., et al. (2019). Effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive outcomes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. Autism.

Children with ADHD often face a myriad of challenges beyond what meets the eye. While attention deficits and hyperactivity are commonly recognized symptoms, let’s delve into five lesser-known issues that can significantly impact a child’s daily life: interoception, balance, constipation, vision, and executive function. In this blog post, we’ll explore each of these under-recognized issues and how specialized pediatric occupational therapy and physical therapy can offer effective interventions to support children with ADHD. These challenges aren’t just areas of concern; they’re opportunities for improvement that can enhance your child’s self-esteem, confidence, and ability to tackle challenges head-on.

Interoception: Understanding the Body’s Signals

We all know about our 5 senses, but there are also internal senses that tell us about our bodies, how they feel, and how they move. One of those internal senses is called Interoception. This refers to the ability to perceive internal bodily sensations, such as hunger, thirst, and the need to use the bathroom. Many children with ADHD struggle with interoception, leading to difficulties in recognizing and responding to their body’s signals. This can result in irregular eating habits, dehydration, and challenges with self-regulation.

Think about a time that you were hangry! If our children are feeling hungry or thirsty, and are not skilled at feeling and interpreting those messages from their bodies, focussing on a teacher or playing with a friend can be really difficult.

The good news is that specialized therapy techniques, such as sensory integration activities and mindfulness exercises, can help improve interoceptive awareness and promote better self-management skills. A great resource to learn more about interception is Kelley Mahler’s website here. Our therapists at Kid PT use the Interception Curriculum she has developed to support our children’s improved awareness of their sensory awareness from the inside out.

Balance: Feeling Centered

Maintaining balance and coordination is essential for daily activities and participation in sports and recreational activities. It even impact the classroom setting, as children need to have the postural control to separate their eyes from their head and bodies, while listening and learning at the same time. However, children with ADHD often experience difficulties with balance, which can affect their confidence and overall physical well-being. Through targeted physical therapy interventions, such as balance training exercises and vestibular stimulation, children can enhance their balance skills and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

So often we assume that our children who are always moving must have good balance and gross motor skills. Often children with ADHD have learned from experience that moving slowly, or not moving at all, is REALLY hard to control and that if they just keep moving, they can control their bodies much better. This lack of mature postural control skills can impact children in so many areas, from academic to social.

Is your child always falling out of their chair or only moving quickly? Read more about what may be going on here and here.

Constipation: Addressing Digestive Health

Constipation is a commonly overlooked issue in children with ADHD, yet it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Poor dietary habits, medication side effects, postural asymmetries and reduced physical activity levels may contribute to constipation in this population. Again, this is an often overlooked issue, but one that impacts our children’s everyday life and health. Pediatric occupational therapists and physical therapists can collaborate with healthcare providers to develop tailored interventions, including dietary modifications, bowel management strategies, and sensory-based techniques to address constipation and promote bowel regularity.

Our physical therapists at Kid PT have learned over and over again working with children with various diagnoses that improving their postural symmetry and control, has impacted the child’s constipation or reflux. This is often overlooked, but even minor problems in the core can impact the pressure system for things to effortless move up and down in the body’s systems.

Vision: Sharpening Visual Skills

Visual processing difficulties are prevalent among children with ADHD and can manifest as challenges with tracking, focusing, and visual perception. Undiagnosed vision problems may exacerbate academic struggles and hinder overall performance in school. Vision challenges can impact a child’s school life, success playing sports, and even social interactions.

Both occupational therapy and physical therapy can work on taking those visual challenges, and put it into action by working on not only the function of the eyes, but getting vision coordinated and in sync with the other sensory systems and the body too.

Executive Function: Strengthening Cognitive Skills

Executive function encompasses a range of cognitive processes involved in goal-directed behavior, such as planning, working memory, organization, and flexible thinking. Children with ADHD often exhibit weaknesses in executive function, which can impact their academic performance, social interactions, and daily functioning. If your child is often frustrated or seems inflexible, this may be an area of weakness. Additionally, it the parenting strategies that work for your other children, just don’t work for your child with ADHD, this will likely be why.

The occupational therapists can evaluate each component of a child’s executive function and sensory processing skills to develop a comprehensive individualized plan to support the child. Specialized interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral strategies, organizational skills training, and guided sensory motor experiences, can help improve executive function skills and enhance overall adaptive functioning in children with ADHD.

ADHD Insight Screening: Empowering Your Child’s Journey

While ADHD presents its share of well-known challenges, it’s essential to recognize and address the often overlooked issues that significantly impact children’s lives. Interoception, balance, constipation, vision, and executive function problems can all pose significant barriers to children with ADHD, but with specialized pediatric occupational therapy and physical therapy, these challenges can be improved in ways that can improve your child’s confidence and self-esteem, leading them to more success now and in the future. By raising awareness of these underrecognized issues and providing targeted interventions, we can empower children with ADHD to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

If you’ve noticed your child seems a step behind, or perhaps they tire easily, struggle with coordination, or find it hard to keep up with their peers, it’s natural to feel concerned. That’s why we’re extending a heartfelt invitation for you to access our expertise at no cost. For a limited time, KidPT is proud to offer an ADHD Insight Screening. Our expert team is dedicated to understanding the unique melody of your child’s development and providing tailored strategies to harmonize their abilities with their ambitions. During the screening, we’ll evaluate your child’s balance, vision, and executive function skills. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your observations, and address your worries with actionable steps. Seize this opportunity for a ADHD Insight Screening and be proactive in supporting your child’s developmental journey. Click HERE or reach out to us at 908-543-4390 to reserve your spot and embrace the support your child deserves.

Together, let’s help your child feel confident, in control, and living their best lives.

Schedule Your Free Development ADHD Screening

More Free Resources for Supporting Children with ADHD

Read our blog – Quick Kids: It Might be More Than Behavior or Attentions

Read a sample of Dr. Joni;s book – Turn Stumbling Blocks Into building Blocks

On social media? Then Like Our Facebook Page or Follow Us On Instagram for more helpful tips and advice.

“He will only wear the same outfit EVERY SINGLE DAY!”

“The second he comes home from school he takes all of his clothes off!”

“She refuses to wear socks!  What do I do now that summer is over?”

These are things we hear everyday from parents calling us at Kid PT to ask for help.  There are many strategies our Occupational Therapists have to guide you and your child through these challenges, but one step can be to find clothing that is more tolerable to our children who are more sensory sensitive.

Choosing the right clothing for autistic children can greatly impact their comfort and confidence as they head back to school. Sensory-friendly and adaptive clothing can make a significant difference. Here are 8 autism-friendly clothing brands that prioritize comfort and style for a successful back-to-school experience:

1. Tommy Hilfiger’s Adaptive

Tommy Hilfiger’s Adaptive line features clothing with hidden magnetic closures, adjustable features, and easy-to-use fastenings. These modifications promote independence while maintaining a trendy appearance.

2. SmartKnitKIDS

SmartKnitKIDS specializes in seamless, irritation-free clothing that is perfect for children with sensory sensitivities. Their seamless socks, underwear, and tees minimize discomfort and sensory challenges.

3. Mabel’s Labels

Mabel’s Labels not only offers practical name labels but also a collection of sensory-friendly clothing. Their tagless shirts and adaptive features cater to children’s unique needs, reducing sensory triggers.

4. Target’s Cat & Jack Adaptive

Target’s Cat & Jack Adaptive line combines style with functionality. Their sensory-friendly designs, adaptive closures, and soft materials provide children with autism a comfortable and fashionable back-to-school wardrobe.

5. Primary

Primary offers a range of clothing in solid colors without distracting logos or tags. These simple designs can be particularly appealing to children with sensory sensitivities, providing a hassle-free clothing option.

6. BILLY Footwear

BILLY Footwear specializes in adaptive shoes with a unique zipper system that makes them easy to put on and take off. Their stylish and inclusive designs accommodate various needs.

7. ABLE2WEAR

ABLE2WEAR focuses on clothing that addresses specific mobility and sensory needs. From open-back tops to easy-to-dress pants, their adaptive options cater to a variety of challenges that children on the autism spectrum may face.

We know that the right clothing won’t solve all of the challenges in your daily routine, but it could make a big difference. These brands prioritize sensory comfort, functionality, and style, allowing students to confidently navigate their school day while feeling their best.

Have you tried any of these brands yet?

If so, please share your story.  Let us know your likes and dislikes to help parents who are in similar shoes as you.

Occupational therapy (OT) helps people of all ages to improve their ability to perform daily activities, also known as “occupations.” 

What does this have to do with children then?

Well, what is the “occupation” of children?  PLAY!

Occupational therapists (OTs) work with individuals who have conditions that affect their ability to perform activities of daily living, such as physical or cognitive disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. The goal of occupational therapy is to help individuals achieve independence and improve their quality of life. This may include activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, and using the toilet, as well as more complex tasks like work and leisure activities. Occupational therapists may also work with individuals to improve their fine motor skills, coordination, and balance.

In the pediatrics world, OTs work in a variety of settings, such as early intervention, outpatient clinics, and schools. They work with children with a variety of needs and diagnoses, including autism, hypotonia, sensory processing disorder, and genetic disorders.

Our occupational therapists at Kid PT work with children on a wide variety of ways. 

• Improving fine motor skills: Occupational therapists can work with children to improve their dexterity and hand-eye coordination, which can help with tasks such as writing, cutting with scissors, and buttoning clothing.
• Enhancing gross motor skills: Occupational therapists can help children to develop their balance, coordination, and body awareness, which can improve their ability to participate in sports and other physical activities.
• Addressing sensory processing issues: Some children may have difficulty processing sensory information, such as sounds, sights, or touch. Occupational therapists can help children to develop strategies to manage these sensory sensitivities and improve their ability to participate in daily activities.
• Improving attention and focus: Occupational therapists can help children to develop the attention and focus needed for tasks such as reading, writing, and completing homework.
• Adapting the environment: Occupational therapists can help children by adapting the environment to make it more accessible and comfortable for them, such as recommending adaptive equipment, or making suggestions for modifications to the child’s home or classroom.
• Addressing developmental delays: Occupational therapy can help children who are experiencing developmental delays to catch up with their peers by providing interventions to improve their abilities to perform age-appropriate activities.
• Addressing behavioral concerns: Occupational therapy can help children with behavioral concerns by addressing underlying difficulties with sensory processing, self-regulation, and motor planning.
• Supporting children with special needs: Occupational therapy can help children with special needs such as autism, Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy to develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities and reach their full potential.

Kid PT’s occupational therapists, Disha and Nina, have an endless supply of creative solutions to improve all of the areas of a child’s sensory, motor and emotional development. We love to integrate children’s interests into their therapy sessions as well. An engaged child is a learning child!

Here are top 10 activities to bring occupational therapy activities home with you:

Remember, ask your child’s therapist for individual recommendations, but here is a good jumping off point for you!

1. Playdough:

Playdough is a fun and versatile material that can be used to improve fine motor skills in children. Children can use their fingers to squeeze, roll, and shape the playdough, which can help to improve their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and strength in the fingers and hands. They can even experiment with squishing it with their feet and toes too!

2. Sensory bins:

Fill a container with cooked spaghetti, raw beans, or rice. Use cups to fill and empty, hide sea creatures in it, and have fun! This activity helps improve fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing.

3. Beading:

Beading is a fun and engaging way to improve fine motor skills in children. Children can string beads of different shapes and sizes onto a string or pipe cleaner, which can help to improve their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and strength in the fingers and hands.

4. Lego building:

Building with legos or any other small building blocks can be a great way to improve fine motor skills in children. It requires children to use their fingers to pick up small blocks and place them in the correct spot, which can help to improve their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and strength in the fingers and hands.

5. Outdoor games:

Outdoor games such as tag, capture the flag, and soccer, which involve running, jumping, and coordination.

6. Swimming:

Swimming, which improves balance, coordination and endurance.

7. Obstacle courses:

Obstacle courses, which involve crawling, jumping, and climbing, and help to develop strength and coordination.

8. Pretend Play:

Dress up and role play, where children can act out different scenarios and characters using costumes and props.

Setting up a store, where children can pretend to be the cashier, customer, or salesperson, working on their math skills, social skills, and creativity.

9. Water Play:

Sand and water play, which can help children to develop their sense of touch and sense of proprioception (awareness of the position of their body in space)

10. Cooking:

Cooking and baking activities, which can help to develop children’s sense of smell, taste, and touch.

Remember to have fun, ask your child’s OT for advice on how to bring their therapy home into your daily routine!

We all know by now that we should be eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. But knowing and doing are two different things, aren’t they? Sometimes it is just not easy to get them all in there. We are constantly tempted to fill up on convenience and junk food. If your family is anything like mine, they’d much rather fill up on a bag of chips or a bowl of rice or pasta instead of trying an apple or a plate of steamed broccoli. A little creativity and preparation can go a long way though! Here are a few ideas to “sneak” some extra vegetables and fruits in your family’s diet. 

1. Start the day with a breakfast smoothie. All you have to do is throw some fruits, low-fat yogurt and ice in a blender. You may also want to add a scoop of protein powder in there for good measure. Just blend for a few seconds and you have the perfect breakfast ready to go. I like to sip mine in a thermal cup on the way to work. To make it even more appealing for your kids, use some frozen yogurt or a scoop of ice cream in the smoothie. They won’t believe that you are letting them have ice cream for breakfast. 

2. Dried fruit makes an excellent snack any time of the day. Add some small cartons of raisins to your child’s lunch box, pack some yogurt-covered raisins in your husband’s briefcase and keep some trail mix sitting around for snacking. You can also add dried fruit to oatmeal and cereal in the morning. My family loves banana chips in their breakfast cereal. 

3. Add some fruits and vegetables to your family’s sandwiches. You can add some banana, sliced apples or strawberry slices to a peanut butter sandwich. Top a turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and anything else they will eat. You can even make a sub shop style vegetable sandwich by combining several different vegetables with some mayonnaise and cheese on bread. 

4. Have a salad bar at dinner. Set out a variety of chopped vegetables, some cheese and croutons as well as several choices of salad dressing along with the lettuce and let everybody create their own perfect salad. 

5. Let them drink their fruits and vegetables. Keep an assortment of fruit and vegetable juices in the fridge and encourage everyone to drink them as a snack. Get creative. You could start “family cocktail hour” by pouring everybody a glass of his or her favorite juice over ice. Add some straws, cocktail umbrellas and sit together to talk about how everybody’s day went. 

6. Try this for dessert. Put a small scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt in a bowl and top it with lots of fresh or frozen fruit. 

7. Offer fruits and vegetables as snacks. You can cut apples into slices and top them with peanut butter or cheese. Cube cheese and serve with grapes. Cut up some fresh veggies and serve them with ranch dip. And of course there’s ants on a log. Spread some cream cheese or peanut butter on the inside of a stick of celery and sprinkle raisins on it (wow, fruit and vegetable in one snack). 

8. Try some new fruits and vegetables. Pick something exotic to get your family’s curiosity. With a little luck their curiosity will outweigh their initial apprehension to trying something new. You could try artichokes, plantains, papaya, mango, star fruit, or anything else you can find in the produce department of your local store. 

9. Make a pot of vegetable soup or a stew that’s heavy on veggies and easy on the meat. Both of these make some great comfort food when the weather gets cold. 

10. Start “My Veggie Day”. Each family member gets to pick a vegetable one day of the week.

Incorporate a few of these ideas and you will have everyone in your family eating more fruits and vegetables in no time!