| There are many sports that can help children with | | | | * Bike riding--this sport can be introduced, when |
| autism. As a matter of fact, there is a great | | | | your child is young. You might want to start out |
| selection, to get your child interested, for him or | | | | with training wheels or a bicycle built for two |
| her to create a new experience, and fun. I have | | | | (tandem bicycle), that would help your child feel |
| learned, there is no special one-of-a-kind sport for | | | | more comfortable. Bike riding is a great way to |
| your child to enjoy. Introduce your child to various | | | | exercise, strengthen muscles, obtain balance and |
| sports that you think your child might have an | | | | coordination. It can be a sport for the whole |
| interest in, or the sport your child talks about | | | | family to enjoy. |
| having an interest in, and would like to try it. | | | | These are a few of the great selections of |
| It is imperative to remember, each child who has | | | | sports your child can be part of. The various kinds |
| autism has various communication skills, and | | | | of sports, depend on where you live, the climate, |
| various coordination and motor skills. Know the | | | | the season, and what your child is capable of |
| strengths and weaknesses of your child before | | | | doing. |
| you introduce him or her to certain sports. | | | | Having your child participate in sports, builds, their |
| However, there are some children, whose | | | | self-esteem, teaches team work, better |
| weaknesses, become stronger with certain sports | | | | communication, better motor skills, coordination, |
| and they develop better motor, and coordination | | | | discipline, and brings the family together as a unit. |
| skills. Never force or push your child into a sport | | | | Try to introduce your child to various sports at all |
| that is not going to be helpful for their well-being. | | | | levels of their age. If your child gets frustrated |
| Some of the selections of sports are: | | | | with noise, crowds, or has a difficult time |
| * Swimming--this sport is relaxing, it can be fun, | | | | understanding how to play some of the sports, |
| by throwing a ball back and forth, floating and | | | | start out simple, for example, something like |
| coordination of using strokes to strengthen, legs | | | | hiking, or just going to a relaxing garden, where |
| and arms. | | | | there are flowers and little stress. |
| * Hiking--this is a great sport to get fresh air, see | | | | You as parent(s), caregiver(s), know your child, |
| the beauty of nature, flowers, birds, bugs, rocks, | | | | but never give up, because children with autism |
| and it is peaceful. It requires very little | | | | have many abilities to enjoy, and take part in |
| communication, if your child chooses not to talk or | | | | many activities of sports. Be creative, and |
| wants to be less talkative. It is another sport that | | | | encourage your child. It will be a joyful experience. |
| is less stressful. | | | | |