Autism and exercise

Bodies need exercise, particularly bodies with Autism and Asperger’s.  For many parents raising a child on the spectrum, your first concern is perhaps not exercise (I get that!), but maybe exercise can help reduce some of the other troubles your family is facing.  (To be fair, if you know me, I do happen to think everyone can use exercise to feel better in life.

In his new book, The Autism Fitness handbook: An exercise program to boost body image, motor skills, posture and confidence in children and teens with autism spectrum disorders, David S. Geslak adeptly outlines research related to exercise and anxiety, mood, maladaptive behaviors, stimming.  He notes that exercise can serve as a social platform as well.  Geslak then creates a structured approach to understanding the human body, provides case examples, and gives some examples of exercises (with visuals!).  My favorite aspect of the case examples is that his participants vary quite a bit in age!  (To my college students: this means you!  Put the controllers down and exercise for a few minutes!)

Geslak’s approach is Engage, Educate, Empower, and then Exercise.  He offers a positive tone, ongoing encouragement, and is rather practical.  If you are considering including more exercise in the life of a loved one, this book is worth considering.