Pump It Up (whether or not the doctor orders it)
August 22, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
Should physical and recreational activity be part of an “overall treatment theme” for autistic children? Dr. Joachim Hallmayer asks this in a San Jose Mercury News article about “Autism Nights” at Pump It Up, an “inflatable private party franchise.”
Unscientifically, I would have to say, oh yes. We always make sure Charlie gets some sort of exercise—walking, swimming, biking—every day. One reason we try to vacation at the beach because it’s a vacation with a very heavy dose of (very fun) physical activity, ocean swimming, walking and running on the sand, and surfing.
(Just my “mommy instinct” at work here.)
Autism and ADD/ADHD are inexerably tied together. Exercise helps my son to function. Of course it helps the rest of us too.
I was at Bounce U, which is similar to this place on Monday night for a fundraiser. You’ve just reminded me that I need to finish the letter I am writing to their employees. They were that good with the kids that I want to let them know just how great I thought they were.
It was an excellent time for everyone, myself included, as I was allowed on the bounce equipment.
We attended a “Pump It Up” autism night here in northern CA in the spring and it was GREAT!!! We were there when it first began so it wasn’t very crowded and my kids had the best time.
Without a doubt, Nik functions so much better when he gets regular and vigorous exercise!
Some research findings and additional to go with the mommy instinct about physical activity as part of a therapeutic package.
Videos: Autism and Considerations in Recreation and Physical Activity Settings
Watters, R.G. & Watters, W.E. (1980). Decreasing self-stimulatory behavior with physical exercise in a group of autistic boys. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 10, 379-387.
Rosenthal-Malek, A., & Mitchell, S. (1997). Brief report: the effects of exercise on the self-stimulatory behaviors and positive responding of adolescents with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 27(2), 193-202.
Powers, S., Thibeadeau, S., & Rose, K. (1992). Antecedent exercise and its effect on self-stimulation. Behavioral Residential Treatment, 7, 15-22.
Kern L. (1984). The influence of vigorous versus mild exercise on autistic stereotyped behaviors. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 14(1), 57-67.
Yilmaz, I., Yanarda, M, Birkan, B., Bumin, G. (2004). Effects of swimming training on physical fitness and water orientation in autism. Pediatrics International, 46, 624-626.
I’m sure there’s more…
I think that it’s kind of a given that children of any ilk benefit from regular active exercise, and posing this as a question in the story, seems to be somewhat bizarre. How does anyone feel without a physical outlet for animal spirits? Eleanor is much more alert and grounded when she has daily exercise biking, swimming and using her trampoline.
We chose the house we did so that my son can swim in the pool and bounce on the very large trampoline and ride his trike/bike any time he wants. If he goes a day without vigorous exercise, then I might as well plug an active volcano with my backside. Exercise is critical for his overall well-being.
I was surprised at the mention of the question about whether physical activity should be “integrated” into treatment for autistic kids. It seems a no-brainer—then I think of how (at first) difficult it can be to get Charlie to do certain physical activities as requested, like running. Often people have given up trying to teach him to do something he did not seem to “get it” quickly enough.
The more studies the better—-they will be useful if daily APE for Charlie is ever threatened.
I’m not sure about the whole “overall treatment theme” (though I’m not a fan of the word “treatment” as being used here… “theme”? I couldn’t tell you what the theme was for my treatment/education), I think the idea inherent is quite solid, just experientially. I use a trampoline at home and a swing at school, and both have helped me quite a bit in terms of stress management (though, let me tell you, I’m going to miss the trampoline pretty soon).
Cliff
Definetly!
I read a great article a while ago
I think that almost any kind of physical activity helps our kids, but I thought that this 2 part article had some great ideas in it.
Whoa boy- I need more coffee.
Movement Matters – Bringing Fitness into the Lives of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (http://www.fitcommerce.com/Blueprint/Movement-Matters—Bringing-Fitness-into-the-Lives-of-Children-with-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder—Part-II_page.aspx?pageId=823&tabIndex=5&cpid=1471-1)
Our local autism support chapter has quarterly pump it up “birthday parties” for kids. Anyone can go and the kids with birthdays in those months get a special celebration. They rent the whole place out, so just our group is there. They set aside a quiet room for those that need it. I love the support you get, no one is supprised when L has a fit that he can’t climb up the slide or when K spins in a circle incessantly. Heck, their kids do the same things.
My kids love to jump on their trampoline. But getting home owners insurance while having a trampoline is next to impossible. How can we tell them it’s necessary for our kids?