AUTISM HEALTH
Finding the Best Exercise To Fight Obesity with Autism
By Alescia FORD-LANZA
According to the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ), about one in five children aged 6-19 years is obese ¹. This means that they have excess body fat , putting their body mass index ( BMI ) scores above the 95 th percentile . While there are some factors that may contribute to these statistics , the reality is that children struggling with being overweight or obese are prone to physical , social-emotional , and future health problems .
Research has found that children with autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) are at or above the same risk of becoming overweight or obese 2 , 3 , 4 . Variables specific to autism include disordered sleep patterns , motor planning difficulties , possible genetic variations , medication side effects , dietary restrictions ( preferences , limitations ), and commonly using food as a reinforcer for some programming 2 , 3 , 4 .
Given that the risks are higher for weight-related issues in children with ASD , it is even more important that exercise is incorporated into their daily routines . However , because every child ’ s sensorimotor planning , coordination , and language skills are unique , exercise habits are necessary to teach directly , model and reinforce regularly .
Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 71 | 31