Optimizing Fitness Programs for the Autism and Neurodivergent Population
“Do you want to start with the hurdle steps or overhead band walks?”
A simple question, with potential to put our autism and neurodivergent athletes at ease and quickly increase the reinforcing quality of our Autism Fitness sessions.
There are small actions that make a substantial difference in fitness or adapted physical education programming. Choice is one of them. By giving the opportunity to have autonomy (with structure) and control over the order of exercises, we invite our athletes to be active participants in their fitness journey.
For those with autism and other neurodivergent statuses, fitness is a gateway to greater self-efficacy and quality of life. This extends beyond childhood, and into the teen and adult years. Consider the physical attributes we need to maintain independence throughout our lives. The autism population is no different, though much more susceptible to the challenges of aging.
One of the biggest challenges for parents and professionals working with or caring for those with autism is motivation. The perception may be that individuals with ASD are not motivated to exercise. While there may be initial aversion, we have to take into account some important factors.
- The anxiety in the first session is likely to decrease over time
- Choosing appropriate exercises at the right level of challenge (progression or modification) leads to quicker success
- Having a structured plan for communication can empower both coach and athlete
- The environment needs to be as clear of distraction (and as safe) as possible
So where does choice have a place in our fitness and adapted PE programming?
Choice provides our autism life skill athletes with the opportunity to advocate for themselves and have ownership in their fitness. It may seem simple, however providing the opportunity to choose which exercise to perform first can be the difference maker in a session. Particularly when first starting a program, providing choice gives the individual a more autonomous introduction to fitness.
Choice also serves a key place in coaching and communication strategies for those working with the autism population. By giving the athlete options between two exercises, hurdle steps and overhead band walks, for example, we avoid using “have to” or authoritarian language. For many individuals with autism, the daunting, or overwhelming experience of an ultimatum (“Do this now”) is highly aversive. By putting the exercises into a slightly different context; “this first or that first,” we can limit the aversive nature of “commander” style coaching.
As fitness is critical to optimal skill development and quality of life for the autism and neurodivergent population, we need to incorporate strategies that lead to short and long term consistency. Choice can serve as a powerful, and easily implementable, reinforcer.
To further explore and understand how we use choice in Autism Fitness programming, click the picture below.
Eric Chessen, MS, Founder, Autism Fitness