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Movement Matters - Bringing Fitness into the Lives of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Part II
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The instructor continues to present the ball in various positions with the target being looking at and grabbing the ball. The instructor should make sure to hold the ball in positions that require bending, squatting, overhead reaching, and rotation. Through this activity, many areas of movement can be assessed. The BGC is a great assessment tool because it can also be incorporated into a fitness program as an exercise. Progressions can be made towards performing more difficult movements (single leg, grabbing and jumping), or by adding a light (2-6 lb.) medicine ball.
The second go-to assessment/activity I tend to use is a hurdle step-over/duck under. The hurdle step-over is another great assessment exercise that requires limited teaching. Beginning with 2-3 6" high hurdles, have the athlete start by standing on two spot markers, and walk forward, stepping over each hurdle. This series of movement can tell us a great deal about both gait and gaze. I often use this movement for increasing hip flexibility. Hurdles can be fun and versatile. Including a catching/throwing component makes for a great full body challenge. |
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There is increasing evidence that exercise provides a host of benefits for individuals with special needs. In addition to the immediate or relatively quick skill development and health improvement, exercise can and should serve as a gateway towards long-term success for each child on the autism spectrum. As fitness professionals, it is our job to establish the vital importance of fitness as a life-long practice for all populations. Exercise is something we do. Fitness is something we live.
Verbal praise + other reinforcer would be just fine here.
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Stepping over hurdles can provide information about motor planning, hip flexibility, and gait.
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Ducking under hurdles is a level change activity that requires strength, balance, and postural stability.
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Pushing and pulling are fundamental areas of strength development. While I have used push-ups for assessment and implementation purposes, many children on the autism spectrum have difficulty performing the exercise correctly and, while certainly a teachable skill, they may be a more long-term goal. For immediate (and fun) use, I look to the band. Exercise bands come in a variety of resistance levels, are portable, extremely versatile, and inexpensive. Bands can be used for pushing, pulling, rotation, and adding a challenge to just about any movement.
Exercise Bands add challenge to movement
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Pulling a band strengthens the posterior chain and, when held, can be used for grip correction/strengthening, as well. Pushing the band aids in developing core stability and upper body strength. Bands can be pulled bilaterally or unilaterally, making single arm or single leg exercises possible without the inclusion of dumbbells or other objects that may not be the most desirable for use. In the world of autism, items are occasionally dropped or thrown during instances of maladaptive behavior. While tolerance of novel objects/equipment is developed, bands offer a safe and very effective alternative, as do soft medicine balls.
Experts agree: Bands = Fun
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While the complexities of working with individuals on the autism spectrum cannot be discounted, goal-oriented programs using the best practices for both physical fitness and optimal behavior (based on the principles of ABA and accounting for motivation and reinforcement) can yield some extraordinary outcomes.
About Eric Chessen
Eric Chessen is a Fitness Therapist, NASM-PES, and is currently completing his M.S. in Exercise Physiology. He is the founder of Beyond Boundaries: Fitness For the Young Autism Population, and has presented workshops and seminars around the U.S. His first DVD is available at www.BBFITDVD.com
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