One of the “secrets” (it’s not a secret, but we’ll call it that🤨) of strength training and general (well-programed) fitness is that the skills can generalize or show up in a variety of environments and settings. This is not merely true for neurotypical individuals, but the autism and neurodivergent population as well.
Fitness programming, again, predominantly focusing on developing strength and motor control is frequently absent from educational and residential environments for the autism population. The reasons are several;
- Misunderstanding of what constitutes appropriate, effective fitness/strength programs
- Non-prioritization
- Lack of technical skill or know-how
- Low motivation to participate
- An overemphasis or reliance on sports-based programs to fulfil the role of developing general fitness abilities (they don’t)
There’s virtually no end to the crossover benefits well-designed and implemented fitness programs can have on other areas of physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing.
You can also incorporate general fitness programming into those settings. In fact, some of the greatest success stories I’ve received are therapists, parents, and other professionals who’ve incorporated Autism Fitness programming in speech sessions, behavior therapy clinics, and used the PAC Profile as the basis for their adapted PE curriculum.
1) Behavior Therapy and support: Well-planned fitness programming can be used not only for self-regulation but can lower anxiety and provide much-needed physical activity for structuring the day. Exercise breaks can be used at (or before) transitions to other environments or higher stress situations.
Exercise is also correlated with better self-regulation, something certainly pertinent to many individuals with ASD. Additionally, strength training can be used as a proactive, independent activity during leisure or free time. Other skills related to self care, socialization, and independence can be enhanced using fitness as a foundation.
2) OT/PT: Creating structure, goal setting, and developing strength skills that will generalize to ADLs. What’s the plan moving forward and how can you set short-term goals? You get these strategies as an Autism Fitness Pro.
Oftentimes, the barrier to safety and independence with activities of daily living (ADLs) is a deficit in foundational strength and stability skills. Tasks from taking out the garbage to gardening to hygiene require gross motor abilities and coordination. While some activities are highly specific and require direct practice, improving the underlying physical skills can only serve to build the general skills needed to succeed at more nuanced tasks.
3) Speech Therapy: Building speech targets (especially prepositions and short-term recall) into the session using sequences of exercise. Prepositions (in, on, under, next to, up, down) are abstract terms that are best taught by practicing. Fitness programs for the autism and neurodivergent population can easily incorporate speech goals and new language.
In the fitness or adapted physical education setting, there’s a multitude of opportunities for labeling equipment, exercises, counting, and sequencing. Incorporating short-term recall “What was the last exercise you did?” or “What exercise is next?” are magnificent opportunities for memory and speech.
4) Adapted PE: Seems obvious, but this is the place to build healthy physical skills that can/should continue throughout the lifetime. Establishing confidence and capability through general fitness should be a goal of every adapted physical education program. Focusing on skills that generalize to ADLs (push, pull, squat, carry, hinge, rotate, locomotion) can build a foundation for a healthier, more capable student (at any age).
A focus on sports-based programming (as is often the cased for general physical education), often excludes those students who are not competitive, do not enjoy that particular sport, or get lost/confused during the chaotic fray of game play. General, strength-based fitness, when programmed and implemented correctly, is scalable for any individual or group.
5) Home: While it may be daunting to start a home-based program, parents and family members soon realize the enormous value of connecting through fitness and having a regular (and individualized) routine in the home.
Fitness can be a great way to connect and share time. Particularly with general exercise programming, minimal space and equipment are needed. Having designated “fitness time” is a great way to start the weekend or round out the afternoon.