Fitness picture books help young people with autism to exercise more often

While physical activity is important for everyone, research has shown that people with developmental disabilities do not exercise as often as their normal peers.

In an effort to close this distinction, a researcher at the University of Missouri recently created fitness picture books that help young people with autism exercise more often while offering a simple resource to income-earning families. low intake for exercise stimulation when outdoor fitness equipment may not be accessible.

“So much research aims to help individuals with autism improve their academic performance, social skills and communication skills, but we also need to remember the importance of physical activity for living a healthy lifestyle. , “said Lorraine Becerra, who is an assistant teaching professor at MU College of Education.

“Exercise has a number of health benefits, such as pumping blood into your body, better sleep and a lower risk for obesity. Also, if children with autism can become more physically active, they are more likely to run around and play with their peers, so there are other aspects of their lives that we can improve as well. “

Becerra is also a behavior analyst at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Because some of her ex-clients had body mass indexes with autism that had risen to unhealthy levels as a result of excessive silent behavior, their caregivers asked Becerra to develop creative ways to educate the children encourage them to exercise more.

So, in a recent research study, Becerra created fitness picture books that contained step-by-step images of various exercises, such as jump jumps, bear squats and lunges. The picture books have been used successfully to increase the length of time people with autism engage in physical activity.

Having worked in low-income school districts with few financial resources, Becerra understands the need to find cost-effective ways to help children with autism become more physically active. trice.

It’s important to remember that some schools may not have a gym or many age-appropriate facilities for children to play with. The great thing about the picture books is that they provide simple, engaging exercises that can be done in a wide range of situations, such as a school playground, a back garden or even an empty field at a park. It is also a quick and easy way for carers or teachers to provide an organized structure during flexible free time, such as during breaks. “

Lorraine Becerra, Associate Professor of Teaching, College of Education, University of Missouri-Columbia

With recent advances in technology and entertainment, young people are increasingly spending more of their time sitting in front of televisions, tablets and personal electronic devices. Becerra is keen to remind young people – especially individuals on the autism spectrum – of the importance of scheduling time for physical activity.

“These lifelong habits start when you are young,” says Becerra. “Making time to run around and establish these exercise habits early in life will help young people to maintain these habits. childhood and adulthood. “