Through the years working as an Exercise Physiologist, I have developed a strong passion with assisting those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reach their exercise goals. I have found that building a fun, supportive environment has helped with creating a safe place for those with ASD to adhere to regular exercise sessions that can aid in the management of other co-morbidities and overall health. We know that exercise can help with physical and mental health, however how can it assist with those with ASD?

ASD covers a wide range of neuropsychological conditions that can affect individual and social functioning (1). ASD will present significantly differently in each individual, however there are three primary symptoms; motor deficits, ability to communicate and difficulty with social interaction. Using my experience and research into ASD, I aim to help develop these three primary areas.

Motor Control

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Research into motor control with ASD has outlined that difficulties can include balance concerns, gait disturbances, coordination and motor planning and execution (2). Depending on how a client presents to clinic, we will develop a plan to address any motor control areas that exercise can assist with. A combination of strength, balance and coordination work are key components of our sessions. We use games and technology to create engaging tasks that challenge motor control and concentration.

Communication

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A component of ASD is communication difficulties. This can include having trouble with starting conversations, responding to others and engaging in a structured conversation (3). ASD can also present with difficulty under standing non-verbal cues like gestures, facial expression, body language and eye contact(3). Developing methods to build rapport and understand the most effective way of communication with each client is important to create an environment where clients can learn, develop and have fun while exercising. Using rapport building techniques to identify areas of interest such as music or sport can help in building a foundation to develop communication with ASD clients.

Social Interaction

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Our sessions will have a component of social interaction with all practitioners and other clients in our clinic. In autistic children it has been identified that social communication and social motivation improved after a 10-week exercise intervention (4).

It has been identified that individuals with ASD have poorer life outcomes, including lower quality of life and fewer social networks and supports (5). Our Exercise Physiologists at The Biomechanics pride themselves on creating an inclusive environment that can assist development of the three primary ASD symptoms listed above and providing accessible healthcare. Exercise will help improve quality of life and continue to decrease the risk of other health conditions. If you’re interested in our services please reach out.

References

1. Sowa, M.and Meulenbroek, R., 2012. Effects of physical exercise on Autism Spectrum Disorders: A meta-analysis. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders,6(1), pp.46-57.

2. Himmah,F., Widajati, W. and Budiyanto, B, 2021. Teacher Interpersonal Communication With Autism Students In Inclusive School. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, vol 62.7

3. Bested R., Carr, K.,Sutherland, C., Horton, S. and Azar, N, 2021. Improving Upper Extremity Motor Control in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder and an Intellectual Disability Through Participation in an Adapted Physical Exercise Intervention. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, Vol 26, No.1

4. Crawford, S., C. MacDonncha and P.J. Smith, 2007. Assess effects of individualised APA programmes on movement ability and social responsiveness on children with autism and LD inIreland. Unpublished thesis, Special Collections, University of Limerick.

5. Ghahari, S., Widmer, M.,Heneghan, T., Naganathan, M. and Kathiravel, T., 2021. Adults on the Autism Spectrum Face Significant Challenges Accessing Health Care Services. Global Journal of Health Science, 14(1), p.53.

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