The Power Of Exercise

This is a dynamic workshop in which participants will learn the visual, sensory and tactile supports necessary to implement a structured and successful exercise environment. Participants will learn how exercise plays a role in developing academics and social skills while achieving a physically active lifestyle. Be ready to move! The Power of Exercise presentation is designed for any person involved with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The primary goal is for parents, educators and professionals to been seen, by the individuals, as leaders in health and fitness. Presenting at the ASA 2013 Annual Conference participants will leave with a greater understanding of incorporating visual, tactile, musical and sensory supports in a child or adults exercise program at school, a community center or home.

Exercise and Autism

Physical activity offers a variety of benefits for individuals with autism. Studies have shown that when participating in moderate aerobic activity, children with autism may experience increases in attentions span, on-task behavior, and levels of correct responding. Aerobic activities can include but are not limited to walking, running, swimming, jogging and biking. Aerobic activity can also produce endorphins that boost an individual’s mood and give a sense of control and well-being, which could help ease anxiety, depression, and mood swings, which can be common hindrances for children with autism. Also, the more a child is moving, more oxygen is being received by the brain.

Visual Supports and Autism

Visual supports can be implemented with individuals across the age range, beginning in preschool and extending through middle school age. Effective visual supports in early childhood settings include visual schedules to increase task engagement, visual scripts to encourage social interaction, and picture cues to support play skill development (Krantz & McClannahan, 1998; Massey & Wheeler, 2000; Morrison, Sainato, BenChaaban, & Endo, 2002). In elementary and middle school, visual supports such as schedules and picture cues have proven effective in reducing transition time, increasing on-task behavior, and in completing self-help in the home (Bryan & Gast, 2000; Dettmer, Simpson, Myles, & Ganz, 2000; MacDuff, Krantz, & McClannahan, 1993).

The Exercise Connection has developed the Visual Exersise System to help the children/adults understand the activity or exercise they asked to perform. Participants will learn the protocol and how to use and incorporate the visuals during exercise.

Achieving the Exercise Connection

The Five Components of Physical Fitness for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders was designed by David S. Geslak. The Five Components consist of (1) Body Image (2) Motor Coordination (3) Posture (4) Muscular Fitness (5) Cardiovascular Fitness. Created as means to better educate our children and parents because the current components of health and fitness do not meet the needs of children with ASD or any special need. The Five Components meet the needs of an individual with autism and make implementation of an exercise program manageable.

Parents, educators and professionals are desperate to help their children. With an estimated yearly cost of $70,000 to raise a child on the spectrum, exercise provides a cost-effective approach to helping the children improve self-esteem, focus and social skills while ultimately developing a healthier lifestyle.

With the positive research on exercise and visual supports for individuals with autism, parents and professionals need the education and supports to help their children achieve the Exercise Connection.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to identify the Five Components of Physical Fitness for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
2. Participants will be able to critique the research that supports exercise for individuals with autism
3. Participants will be able to design exercise stations with masking tape or chalk.
4. Participants will be able to give examples of visual and sensory supports used in an exercise environment
5. Participants will be able to determine their role in leading a child with autism to a physically active lifestyle