6 Steps to Empower Children with Autism at the Gym

autism exercise parenting Jun 09, 2017

Dear Sisters in Christ,

As my children and I finished our short workout on the treadmill last week, I had a heartwarming experience with regards to taking my son with autism to the gym. The lady two treadmills down from us stopped to commend Nathan's efforts. She mentioned having a friend with a special needs child and, after observing us, felt inspired to encourage her friend to join them at the gym. Why not, indeed? We've only received positive feedback on our journey. In fact, people have even stopped me to say that Nathan is one of the happiest individuals there working out.

Here are six steps to empower autistic teens to embrace gym workouts:

1. Put It on the Schedule and Be Consistent Children and adults on the autism spectrum thrive when they have a visual schedule. Create a schedule that clearly states when you'll be heading to the gym and stick to it. Consistency is key. These individuals benefit from routine, and engaging in physical activity at the gym is a healthy part of that routine.

2. Be Mindful of Transitions For children who struggle with transitions, using timers or countdowns can help ease the process. Let them know you'll be leaving for the gym in 10 minutes, then 5 minutes, and so on. This helps them prepare mentally for the change.

3. Be Aware of Sensory Overload Each child with autism is unique, and their sensory sensitivities can vary. When planning gym visits, consider the gym's busier hours, as some children may prefer quieter times. You can also talk to the gym staff to identify less crowded periods. To address sensory concerns like noise or television screens, bring noise-canceling headphones or encourage them to use their personal devices.

4. A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way Before introducing your child to gym equipment, prepare them by showing videos of others using the equipment. Visual learning is effective for autistic children, and this will help them become familiar with the gym environment. It's also important for you to understand how the equipment works, so you can guide and assist your child effectively.

5. Choose Easy Exercise Equipment Start with simple equipment like the treadmill, which can be engaging and repetitive. Gradually increase the exercise duration each week, ensuring your child is comfortable and enjoying the experience. For higher-functioning teens, consider practicing appropriate behavior at the gym, discussing various scenarios and the expected responses.

6. Reward Good Behavior Use positive reinforcement to motivate your child. Praise their efforts and progress with words of encouragement and high fives. Alternatively, establish a "First, Then" system as a reward. Show them a picture of the gym first, followed by a picture of a preferred activity (like returning home), so they have a clear understanding of what comes next.

It's time to get your child with autism involved in gym workouts, making fitness an inclusive and empowering experience for all. Let's fill the gym with individuals of varying abilities because not everyone needs to be "perfect" to benefit from exercise. In God's eyes, we are all wonderfully and uniquely made, and that's something we can all celebrate together.

Scriptural References (KJV):

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Romans 8:31: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Let's create a welcoming and supportive gym environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities.

With hope and faith,

Tamara K. Anderson

6 Steps to Empower Children with Autism at the Gym

Daily Light

A free daily email with scripture and

Christ-centered inspiration