According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with some form of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, a developmental disorder that disrupts the way a child reacts to his surroundings, causing him to exhibit strange and sometimes disturbing behaviors that differ dramatically from those of typical children. Although autism is a lifelong disorder for which there is yet no known cause or cure, there are a variety of therapeutic recreational activities that have proven successful in improving autism symptoms.
Autism and Recreation Therapy
Physical activity remains one one of the most effective treatments for autism, yet it's also one of the most underutilized. Dr. Stephen M. Edelson, director of the Autism Research Institute, notes that strenuous exercise can help decrease a number of behaviors associated with autism, including hyperactivity, aggression, self-injury and destructiveness. Edelson recommends autistic children should engage in vigorous exercise --- an aerobic workout of 20 minutes of longer --- three or four days per week, but points out that mild exercise doesn't seen to have much effect on behavior.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy, typically taking place in a swimming pool, has proven to be successful in treating autism. Many autistic children will either overreact or underreact to stimuli and certain textures, but being surrounded by warm water creates hydrostatic pressure that can soothe and calm autistic children by providing sensory input. According to recreational therapist Laurie Jake, aquatic therapy helps autistic children focus on play-based functional movement. Benefits of aquatic therapy in treating autism include improving range of motion, aiding to facilitate neurodevelopmental growth, improving body awareness and increasing balance and mobility skills.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is another form of physical therapy that has proven to be effective for some autistic children. Some gymnastics facilities offers therapeutic training with coaches who have been specially trained to respond to the needs of autistic children. In this type of environment, a coach can help an autistic child improve motor skills and sensory processing, and control behavior. Gymnastics training can help a child focus, listen to instructions and improve balance, which can be an issue for autistic children.
Horseback Riding
In his book "The Horse Boy," Rupert Isaacson chronicles how horseback riding helped his autistic son, Rowan, as the steady rhythm of the horse's stride proved to be calming.
"Whenever he was on a horse he wouldn't tantrum," said Isaacson in an interview with ABC News. Although Rowan's autism wasn't cured, Isaacson insists horseback riding is responsible for curing his son of some "terrible dysfunctions that were impairing his and our quality of life."
References
- Therapeutic Recreation Directory; Autism and the role of Aquatic Therapy in Recreational Therapy Treatment Services; Laurie Jake; January 2003
- Healing Thresholds; Collaborating to Support Meaningful Participation in Recreational Activities of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; M.C. Potvin, P.A. Prelock, L. Snider; September 2009
- "The Acorn;" Gymnastics Helps Autistic Student; Stephanie Bertholdo
- ABC News; Dad: Horse Riding Helped His Son With Autism; Emily Friedman; April 2009
- Autism.com: What is Autism?
- Autism.com; Physical Exercise and Autism; Stephen M. Edelson
