Children With Autism: 4 Important Exercises

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a chronic, neurobiological dysfunction with a genetic basis that affects the configuration of the nervous system and brain function. Do you know how to motivate children with autism?

The symptoms are related to social interaction and communication, as well as lack of flexibility in reasoning. They also include a restriction of interests and behavior. This is proven in this study published in the Journal of Neurology .

However, two people with this neuropsychiatric syndrome do not show the same observable characteristics. There are therefore different categories of diagnosis depending on the degree of intensity and the ways in which these symptoms manifest.

Below we will give you a number of exercises or activities that will promote the stimulation of cognitive abilities in children with ASD.

Exercises for children with autism

1. Activities with numbers

As this study  published in MMWR Surveillance Summaries points out, children with autism often have few interests. However, many are particularly attracted to numbers . Due to their age, they are usually unable to understand the reasoning behind the calculations, but they like to play with the objects.

In addition, they are very fascinated by eye-catching objects, so you can help stimulate the natural interest in numbers by giving them great toys. An example might be blowing bubbles and getting your child to count them.

You can also do activities based on different shapes or colors. This will help the toddler learn about categories and list objects. To do this you can use large LEGO bricks, paintings, small stuffed animals or balls.

This type of activity expands children’s interests and encourages them to interact with other people around them.

2. Music therapy for children with autism

Music therapy is a discipline that can promote behavioral development. Musical expression works on a non-verbal language level and promotes communication channels. This is especially true for those who struggle with expressive functions, such as children with autism spectrum disorder.

These activities are focused on promoting emotional development and individual expression. This is according to this report, which was published in the Cochrane Plus Library in 2008. You and your child can play together in a way that will help your child recognize the sounds of their own body.

For example, laughter, clapping or yawning. Recognition is the first step to control. Therefore, you should sit with your child and repeat the actions that cause the sounds. Then you and your child can work on naming them and giving them meaning.

Another interesting activity is to get your child to learn a short, repetitive song that includes body movements with you. The goal is for the little one to become interested and challenged by trying to learn the song while also enjoying the whole process.

3. Imitation games

Reproducing or imitating a certain behavior can better help your child understand the world around him. This can help them develop their social skills. This is demonstrated through this study conducted by professionals from the Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla , Mexico.

It is important that the activities are accompanied by positive reinforcement. You should also be patient and not expect the little one to understand at the first attempt.

An interesting imitation game you can try is to draw everyday movements, such as combing your hair, brushing your teeth, eating, etc. Then you can make the child imitate it. You can also draw animals and teach the child the sound they make.

Furthermore, you can try to show the child drawings of the animals and ask the child to make the sounds and movements of the animals.

Since any activity that involves repetition is beneficial, you can also come up with your own activities based on the child’s interests. This will make it even more exciting for your child.

4. Training

Physical activity helps to improve psychomotor skills and the relationship with the environment. A study conducted by professionals from the University of Burgos , together with employees from the Autism Spain Confederation , shows that physical well-being improves the quality of life of children with autism.

Therefore, the ideal situation would be to get the child to exercise with other children. If this is not possible, you can also make an obstacle course at home with soft toys, or make a treasure hunt that involves running, jumping, bending and crawling.

It is important that the little one enjoys these activities so that they do not lose interest. It is important that you adapt the activities to the child’s interests and needs.

We hope that these exercises for children with autism will help to improve the child’s development and social integration, while you can spend quality time together.