Fitness for the autism and neurodivergent population is often categorized as “recreational,” but is this accurate?
It may seem a semantic point, though there is a difference between leisure activities and life skill activities both in consideration and practice. It also has an effect on prioritization; a “recreational” activity may not take precedence in a daily living program.
This is not an “either/or” situation, more an understanding of what distinguishes a general fitness program from a recreational activity. It is an understanding of the qualities and outcomes involved.
So in this, the Autism Fitness blog post we explore the differences and interactions between general fitness (strength, power, movement quality), and recreational activities (sports, non-competitive physical engagement)
Imagine a humongous, healthy tree. Skyscraper tall, branches in all directions, lush leaves. That tree needs a sturdy trunk and anchor-strong roots.
We can consider fitness, particularly for the autism and neurodivergent population neurodevelopment anchored on the foundation of general strength and movement skills, branch out into recreational activities, whether they be competitive, solo, or somewhere in-between. Particularly in modern Western civilization, it would be perplexing to recommend less physical activity, no?
Recreation, in contrast, is typically less structure and more leisurely. Certainly swimming, hiking, biking, kayaking, and other forms of vigorous physical activity count as leisure, however they are often not done on a consistent basis. They can be part of a weekend trip, seasonally-dependent, or otherwise.
1) General strength and movement is the foundation. Regardless of whether an individual is physically active in sport or other individual activities, general fitness programming can enhance the skills needed to participate. While vigorous/strenuous activity is certainly a component of a physically active lifestyle, there are important aspects of a structured strength training program that are not met with other forms of physical activity.
Take cycling or bike riding for example. For both neurotypical or autism life skill athletes, this can be a valuable physical activity, particularly when done outdoors (as opposed to an indoor cycle). While regular bike riding can improve endurance and cardiovascular health, it won’t develop much generalizable strength. On the other side, general strength training that includes low body exercises (Squats, sled push, hinging motions) can improve stamina for biking and for other activities of daily living as well.
2) Scalability is inherent to success. General exercise is easier to scale (modify or progress) than sport for both the movements themselves and coaching/instruction. Finding the scalability in any movement activity (especially for groups) is important for physical, adaptive, and cognitive skill development.
Simply because an individual is included in a sport or leisure activity does not automatically grant their participation. How involved are they in the activity? Does the participant have enough opportunity to develop skills that can be used in future events?
3) Combos can work! If you’re running sport-specific programming (or martial arts, biking, swimming programs etc) the fundamental exercises can be used as part of the day’s warm-up. A combo class of general and specified movements can increase the total amount of physical activity during the session.
It is not necessarily a choice between strength/fitness training for the autism or neurodivergent individual and sports/recreation, but how both can be added into the schedule. Of course, this take prioritization, access, and technical ability to implement appropriate, effective programming.