It’s no secret that exercise can benefit most people. From weight management to the mood-boosting effects of moving your body, getting active can be one of the most critical changes someone can make in their life. A growing body of research suggests that exercise for autism treatment can benefit neurodivergent people.

Exercise Connection is the trusted partner for people empowering people with autism to exercise. From physical education teachers and personal trainers to parents, we offer something for everyone. Our Exercise Buddy app is a great resource to get started with at-home workouts, tips and tricks, and a community of support to make living a healthier life easier. Learn more by browsing our products or calling us today.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a mental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It typically appears during early childhood and can cause significant challenges in a person’s life.

Many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty with social interactions and communication. They may also have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Some people with ASD are nonverbal and may need assistance with daily activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing.

How Is Autism Treated?

There is no one-size-fits-all autism treatment, but there are interventions that can help people with autism improve their quality of life. Exercise is one such intervention that is gaining popularity as a treatment for autism.

Some common treatments for autism include:

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Social skills training

Why Exercise May Be Beneficial for Autism

Exercise has a wide range of benefits for physical and mental health, which is also true for people with autism. Some of the ways exercise may be beneficial for people with autism include:

Improving Physical Health

Exercise can help people with autism improve their physical health and fitness. This improved health is essential for people with ASD at risk for obesity and other chronic health conditions.

Enhancing Social Skills

Physical activity helps people with autism enhance their social skills. This enhancement is because exercise provides an opportunity for social interaction and communication. It can also help people with ASD develop a sense of cooperation and teamwork.

Reducing Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression in people with ASD can be reduced with exercise. This effect is likely because exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.

Improving Cognitive Function

Exercise has also been shown to improve cognitive function in people with ASD. This improvement is likely because exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps to protect the brain from damage.

Starting Exercise Treatment Early

It is important to start exercise treatment early for people with ASD because early intervention is essential for developing social skills and other abilities.
Starting an exercise treatment plan for someone with autism does not have to be daunting. A physical therapist or other healthcare professional can help develop a safe and effective exercise program tailored to the individual. Exercise Connection also offers various products to help you work with your child and their teachers to engage in exercise treatment effectively.

Autism Exercise Guides from Exercise Connection

Getting the most out of life is never easy, and it can be even more difficult without adequate resources. For neurodivergent children, engaging with many guides and instructions that are widely available can be challenging.

Helping your child find a healthy outlet through exercise can help them develop essential skills they will carry for the rest of their lives. With our Visual Exercise System and Exercise Buddy app, you can monitor your child’s progress as they engage with and learn new exercises. Get started today by calling us or browsing our exercise solutions to learn more.