More than half of the nation’s children with autism are overweight, which puts them at risk for diabetes or cardiovascular disease and bone and joint problems. That alarming statistic influenced nationally recognized fitness expert Suzanne M. Gray, who has spent more than 30 years developing fitness programs for children with special needs.
Gray, who is CEO of Right Fit Sport Fitness Wellness, Willowbrook, IL, she has seen how exercise works in addressing obesity, improving motor skills and muscle tone, eliminating self-destructive and self-stimulating behaviors and enhancing socialization skills for children with autism.
Her latest program, “Five to Stay Alive,” consists of at-home activities recommended for children with autism to help fight obesity. They include:
1. Around the Block. Create a neighborhood walking path for children to follow and have your child follow this path (perhaps around the block) a designated number of times per day. He/she could wear a pedometer to measure steps and calories and track progress. Set goals each day and record them on a chart. Use a motivator like a fat-free dessert or a sticker.
2. Raise the Bar! You’re a Star! Start with a dowel rod and raise it over head and back down. Eventually this can be substituted for weight bars. Chart all repetitions and loads and offer incentives for a designated number of bar raises daily.
3. Chair Squats. This movement is required for most power moves of the lower extremities and most athletic events.
4. Push-ups. If your child is able, have them do a designated number of push- ups every day.
5. Jumping Jacks. Again, depending on where children are on the spectrum, will make a difference in how many they can do.
As a parent, do the exercises with your child. You will also reap the benefits of the physical activity and model good habits for your child.
“A structured routine is essential to improving the muscular imbalances and compensations, deficient motor skills, poor posture and other fitness pitfalls common among youth with autism,” Gray says. “One of the biggest benefits of exercise is weight loss. Also, when you combine a fitness program with music and play, it enhances the way a child with autism responds to sensory information and it will boost independence, happiness and self-esteem. ”
Gray’s “Raising the Bar”© program received the Club Industry “Best of the Best Award” in the category of “Best Children’s Fitness Program.” Her program has proven that exercise not only helps combat obesity in children with Autism, but also leads to happier and healthier lifestyles. Gray’s book, “101 Games and Activities for Youth with Autism,” and DVD, “Raising the Bar: Exercises for Youth and Adults with Autism,” feature specific developmental exercises and movement activities that parents and teachers can do with children daily.
Gray’s programs have been implemented by community centers, schools and park districts across the country. They have been deployed at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL. They are also being used as curriculum for several private and not-for-profit organizations, such as Charlie’s Gift, Hinsdale, IL; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, Naperville, IL . These organizations/schools bring attention to programs for special needs children who struggle with various issues, such as socialization, motor skills and obesity.
For more information on Suzanne M. Gray or Right Fit Sport Fitness Wellness: www.Right-Fit.com or www.suzannemgray.com.
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