Posted by Laura Tamayo on Apr.04, 2009

©iStockphoto.com - ShaneKato

Excessive weight is a serious health problem. It aggravates the physical balance we need to stay healthy. This is especially true for people with special needs, like children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

These children often struggle with weight management issues because they have a sensitive biological balance to keep. So while taking care of their diet is essential, it’s also important to provide favorable circumstances for physical activity. Martial arts is a great calorie burner, and it provides ample opportunity to work on motor skills, coordination, and social skills.

Martial arts are also great for the all-important goal of sensory integration, a challenge common to the vast majority of children with ASD. The jumps, punches, turns, and kicks are great stimulation for the tactile (sense of touch), vestibular (movement and body positioning), and proprioceptive (muscle and joint motion) systems. Activating the three systems encourages sensory integration and strengthens proper growth and development.

“Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for later more complex learning and behavior.” — Danielle Banks, OTR/L

The strict environment in these types of classes gives an ASD child a very comforting predictability. Within that controlled and consistent environment, children with ASD can also work on self-control, increase their power to focus, and have opportunities to socialize. And I personally see it as an especially great option because it is very much in tune with the perspective of a child with ASD.

Visual Dimension

Children with ASD think in pictures. They are visual learners. Consequently, a class where the task at hand is shown and instruction is acted out is far more digestible than one with verbal cues. And the color-coded system of progression–from white belt to yellow, yellow to orange, etc.–once again communicates information visually.

Repetition

Repetition is necessary for all learners, and especially important for ASD learners. It establishes familiarity and allows each new move to be encoded in the child’s memory. And repetition for a child with ASD is soothing precisely because of its predictability.

Individual Focus

Children with ASD have enhanced self focus. In a martial arts class, children with ASD can be around others and increase their social interactions, but compete only with themselves.

Incidentally, the physical exertion can also help with other frequent challenges, like trouble sleeping and anxiety. Of course, the level of intensity and physical energy needed will differ from one martial art to the next. In the end, though, all martial arts classes provide a period of intense attention. And that can help calm and wear your little one down.

Of course not everything works for all kids. Let’s not forget the bright lights, the rowdy kids, and the many “ha-yas” associated with karate chops. And then there’s the obvious: ASD or no ASD, children are individuals with varying likes, dislikes, sensitivities, pet peeves, and passions.

That said, there are plenty of reasons to offer martial arts as a good and viable option for kids on the spectrum.

Share

Posted under Alternative Treatments, Autism, Fitness For Body & Mind.