Benefits of Exercise for Autism
We all know that exercise is good for us, and it is no different for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition to the powerful cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits exercise provides, it is also a very useful tool in improving behavioural, cognitive and social outcomes (1).
Research has shown that people with Autism Spectrum disorder have reduced levels of physical activity or exercise engagement compared to neurotypical populations - especially within the younger ASD population (2), this can be due to a number of things such as social and behavioural exclusion, poor motor development, learning difficulties, costs of services or lack of opportunity.
It is recommended that children aged 3-5 years get at least 3 hours of physical activity per day, with 1 of these hours being energetic play. Young people aged 5-17 years require at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous activity per day with at least 3 days of strength training per week to meet the current guidelines.
For adults, It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Additionally, It is recommended that adults do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week as this provides important additional health benefits such as muscular strength, bone health, and protection from injury.
The guidelines above can seem quite daunting when thinking of the amount of exercise participation that is recommended. It is important to understand that not every person with ASD will be able to meet these requirements right away. Getting the support of an exercise professional such as an Exercise Physiologist (EP) can help you or your child build up to the amount of exercise by starting with a lower amount of exercise per day depending on individual capacity and needs. This could be several bouts of 5-10 minutes that are separated with breaks or sensory time away from the exercise program.
Exercise can help manage the negative health implications of physical inactivity and overall health whilst improving behavioural outcomes within the ASD population (3). Importantly, exercise helps in the management of a number of Autism-specific symptoms and behaviours. Exercise has been shown to be largely beneficial in the following areas:
Facilitate motor development
Improve cognitive processing
Increase cardiovascular fitness and weight loss
Increase muscular strength and endurance
Decrease repetitive, stereotypical, aggressive and self-injurious behaviours
Improve social-emotional functioning
Improve heart and metabolic health
Reduce the risk of developing secondary chronic conditions
Within the ASD population, fitness is essentially a life skill. The fundamental movement patterns that can be taught generalise and translate to the movements that are required for many activities of daily living and maintaining independence throughout the entire lifetime. Recent evidence published in 2018 looked at the effects of exercise on children with ASD found that those who engaged in an exercise intervention twice a week for 48 weeks showed a decrease in their Autism-related symptoms (4).
Exercise for the Autism population should be performed under the supervision of an exercise professional. These professionals are called Exercise Physiologists. EP’s are university qualified allied health professionals that specialise in evidence-based exercise interventions for the management and treatment of chronic conditions, disability and injury, including ASD. They have a deep understanding of the condition and associated behaviours of the Autism population, they also understand that every person with ASD is different and ensure that each program is tailored towards the individual and their needs.
So how can I get help with exercise?
At Emerge Movement and Rehabilitation we understand that each person with ASD and their family has different needs and goals they wish to achieve. We ensure that the client and their family come first. Establishing a relationship with an EP can assist families and the individual with ASD in developing the skills which are necessary for enjoying leisure and sporting activities, accessing the community and work, as well as enhancing physical fitness and psychological wellbeing.
Feel free to contact us for any more information regarding ASD and exercise, or to get started on your exercise journey!
References
Srinivasan, S., Pescatello, L. and Bhat, A., 2014. Current Perspectives on Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Physical Therapy, 94(6), pp.875-889.
Must, A., Phillips, S., Curtin, C. and Bandini, L., 2015. Barriers to Physical Activity in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Relationship to Physical Activity and Screen Time. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 12(4), pp.529-534.
Bremer, E., Crozier, M. and Lloyd, M., 2016. A systematic review of the behavioural outcomes following exercise interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 20(8), pp.899-915.
Toscano, C, Carvalho, H, & Ferreiram J 2018, ‘Exercise Effects for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Metabolic Health, Autistic Traits, and Quality of Life’, Perceptual and Motor Skills, vol. 125, pp.126-146
