Recent research has increasingly highlighted the worrying association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an inactive lifestyle and high risk of obesity. Several factors contribute to the increased risk of obesity and physical inactivity in people with ASD. These include lifestyle factors, biological influences, secondary comorbidities, and side effects of certain medications. Additionally, certain behavioral and lifestyle factors have been identified as contributing to unhealthy weight gain in children with autism. These include sleep problems, disturbances in the gut microbiome, endocrine influences, and the effects of maternal metabolic disorders.
Research concludes that physical activity positively impacts social skills and behavior in children and adolescents with autism. Activities such as martial arts are cited as particularly beneficial due to their structural nature and emphasis on discipline and self-control.
Dr. Shareef Talaman is an American pediatric neurologist and CEO of Cognoa, a pediatric behavioral health company. “The key is to develop a routine during key times when exercise is especially important,” he explained. “For example, meaningful exercise between the ages of 10 and your mid-20s is essential for proper bone mineralization. You can’t do that later in life, so it’s essential to start early. of children with autism and can have serious consequences.” ”
However, less than half of adults with movement disorders in the United States report doing aerobic exercise. Although people with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular moderate physical activity than people without disabilities, they have similar needs to promote health and prevent unnecessary disease. Physical activity can help you control your weight, improve your mental health, reduce depression and anxiety, and lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. For people with disabilities, physical activity can help support activities of daily living and independence.
Neurodiverse people often face unique challenges when it comes to physical fitness, calling for more tailored approaches to promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles in this population.
Overcoming barriers to fitness
Billy Blanks Jr., president of Kibu, a live and on-demand fitness platform for people with special needs, said, “How can we prevent people with special needs from attending fitness classes? , multiple barriers exist.” He said: “The fitness industry is not particularly welcoming to people with disabilities and there is a lack of access to inclusive options. It takes understanding, patience and consideration. “We underestimate the power of expression,” he said. We provide an environment where people can participate in exercise, feel confident and have fun while exercising. ”
Kit Rich said: “Unless you have special needs, gyms and exercise classes can be intimidating for people, and you risk injury if you don’t know how to use the equipment or perform certain movements. It’s going to be expensive,” he said. Mr. Rich is a celebrity fitness trainer, writer, and director who recently completed his first film, Isabel’s Garden, and is currently in pre-production on his second film, It’s His Official. She added: “For people with special needs, the intimidation factor and potential risk of injury are certainly even higher. The combination of loud noise, people and equipment can cause sensory overload for some people.” “This can lead to anxiety and fear, which could increase the risk again.” ”
Easy ways to get into fitness
Blanks says, “An easy way for people of all abilities and ages to incorporate fitness into their lives is to play their favorite music that gets them moving. Move your body like you would at a wedding or birthday party. If you’re in a wheelchair, put on some music and move your arms to the beat! Raising your arms above shoulder height and making consistent movements will instantly increase your cardio benefits. .Choose music that makes you feel good and get moving.”
Rich also recommends incorporating small breaks to move your body throughout the day. “Maybe get up and walk around or dance for about five minutes every hour. This is not only good for your body, it’s good for your mind and spirit. Small steps can make a big difference.”
The role of social media and fitness culture
Social media can exacerbate the problem by promoting unrealistic body standards and “fat shaming” people who want to be healthier. “Some fitness influencers jump on this bandwagon and gym shaming and fat shaming to get attention,” Ricci said. Still, she believes that “giving encouragement, joy, and compassion to others can be a much more powerful tool if we allow it.”
Additionally, Blanks emphasized the need for education and inclusivity in the fitness industry. “We encourage fitness organizations and instructors to educate themselves on the importance of inclusion and how to make their organizations and programs accessible to people of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and fitness levels.” said. “We all want to care and believe that we can do what we set out to do. Create programs that benefit people. Fitness is important for everyone’s physical, mental, and health.”
Rich also wanted to change focus within the fitness industry. “I would like to see more positive forms of exercise that focus on improving mental health rather than physical perfection,” she said. “I think the more people focus on how they feel rather than how they look, the more we should always be moving in the right direction.”
Neurodiverse people and people with disabilities face unique challenges. Still, with the right support and inclusive environment, you can reap the benefits of physical activity.
The fitness industry needs to embrace inclusion, focus on a person’s overall well-being, not just physical appearance, and provide options that are accessible to everyone.
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