Splashing Through Summer

Summer is flying by too quickly.  Lots of bike-riding, art and music therapy on Saturdays, and whatever else we can pack in during the season.  And the newest addition to our repertoire—swimming!  Another special-needs parent clued me in to Angelfish Therapy, an organization that provides aquatic therapy, swimming instruction, and even a three-week summer camp.  So my husband and I decided to sign our son up for weekly swimming lessons. 

After the first lesson, our son said, “I love swimming.”  But by the second class, the beginner frights set in.  When the instructor tried letting him go in the water, our son yelped and screamed, “NOOOO!”  So he seems anxious yet thrilled by the water. 

It is well known that physical activity is beneficial for typically-developing adults and children. But strong evidence indicates that exercise can improve motor deficits, stereotypies and social skills for children with autism spectrum disorder.  What’s more, some research suggests that exercise has positive effects on communication and sensory skills, too. 

Many children with ASD have motor skills impairments and are less active than typically-developing children.  Other factors such as cost, access to particular programs and weight gain (e.g. side effect from medication use) can affect exercise for children with developmental disorders.  But, with the appropriate support, physical activity can benefit students with disabilities both inside and outside the classroom. 

For instance, in a recent study in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, researchers pooled 16 studies where adults and children with ASD engaged in sports such as horseback riding, weight lifting and jogging.  Based on the earlier findings, they found that physical activity is linked to improved motor and social skills for participants with ASD.  

In addition, a 2010 review study suggests that exercise is related to decreases in disruptive behavior such as stereotypies (e.g. rocking, arm flapping) and increases in positive behaviors (e.g. better focusing, academic performance).  Also, some evidence indicates that vigorous exercise may enhance these improvements compared with mild exercise.  

Some experts theorize that the reduction in stereotypic behaviors may be due to fatigue or the physical stimulation that exercise provides.  However, more research is needed to determine how physical activity affects people across the spectrum including type and how long the effects last.   

Motor and social skills deficits make certain sports more challenging than others.  Many children with ASD may choose individual activities (e.g. running) compared with team sport activities (e.g. soccer).  We chose swimming lessons for our son for similar reasons—and it’s fun! 

Our son has had some anxiety attacks in the past, so we went with a program that specializes in helping children with special needs.  However, there are many affordable options available for starting a workout regimen for children with ASD.

Autism and Aquatic Exercise

Swimming is one of the most popular forms of therapeutic activities for people with autism spectrum disorder.  Research is limited on the effects of swimming or aquatic therapy on children with ASD.  But some studies suggest that aquatic exercises promote better daily living activities and body function for children with other disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

Aquatic exercises are low-impact yet provide enough resistance for building up muscles and aerobic capacity.  And some research indicates that this form of exercise may improve social skills, swimming ability and endurance levels for children with ASD. 

For instance, a 2008 study in Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, researchers recruited 16 children with various developmental disabilities including autism for a 14-week aquatic aerobic exercise program.  The children, ages 6 to 11, performed activities such as relay races, swam laps and strengthening exercises (e.g. bar bells).  Researchers measured factors such as heart rate and muscle strength.  

At the end of the program, the results showed participants improved their exercise capacity including longer periods of physical activity within their training heart rate.  

I’m looking forward to watching our son transform from a nervous novice into a fearless fish during these lessons.  And the rest of the time?  My husband and I are scanning our brains for activities that tire a six-year-old without doing the same to us.  Enjoy the rest of your summer!