Aspergers Kids & Exercise

Physical education classes are usually a nightmare for a child with Asperger Syndrome. Most have awkward gaits and cannot run fast. Their poor motor coordination means they cannot throw or catch balls, balance themselves, or master movements like hopping or skipping.

Besides being unable to perform most activities required in gym class, some Aspergers kids may be overwhelmed by the smell of the locker room. The coach's whistle and the yelling in the swimming pool may be painful to the ears. Others cannot stand to take showers. Many Aspergers kids are unable to button themselves or tie their shoelaces without help.

Aspergers kids often have trouble following a gym teacher's spoken directions, especially if there is more than one part to them, such as "Choose a partner and line up against the wall." They may be unable to imitate the teacher's motor activity, especially if it is modeled as a mirror image.

Competitive sports often cause trouble, because Aspergers kids can be extremely rule-oriented. They may have rigid ideas about how a game should be played and be unable to "change course midstream." They may tantrum if they are not first at bat, or if their team loses.

Finally and most importantly, Aspergers kids with high pain tolerance can be injured in sports and not report it to their school teachers. There have been many stories of Aspergers kids with broken arms and legs who went on playing the game.

For all these reasons, many moms & dads of Aspergers kids often request "Adapted Physical Education." These are special classes with activities appropriate for their child's special needs. Some schools will allow moms & dads to substitute participation in outside activities such as bowling for attendance in gym classes.

Many Aspergers kids do not like "roughhouse." They may have fears of playground equipment. Many prefer sedentary activities and like to play alone. For example, one four-year-old with Aspergers spends all day quietly lining up his toy cars to match the sequence in his mother's car pool line at school. This means it can be hard for moms & dads to get their kids to exercise.

Many moms & dads hire physical therapists to work with their kids individually at home. Some report that a little "rough house" helps their child not only physically but also socially. You can also purchase special equipment for "proprioception training" over the Internet. After-school programs at the YMCA or individual sports like karate and swimming are good choices for Aspergers kids. Another simple strategy is to have your child do physical chores such as making his bed or running upstairs to fetch a toy - anything that gets him moving physically is helpful.

The Parenting Aspergers Resource Guide: A Complete
Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed
With Aspergers Syndrome.