Published on 12, July, 2020
I just watched this video ‘Gymnast with autism competes on national stage’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kLnq92ZZbA
Look at that little champ go! I love seeing autistic children find their passion, especially when it helps their social skills so much.
It got me thinking though...I know first hand that gymnastics is excellent for those hyperactive children amongst us - I’ve done it myself, I’ve coached such children in gymnastics/cheerleading, and even Olympic champion Simone Biles has ADHD - but I think that many sports can be really beneficial for autistic individuals as they help with coordination difficulties, forming social bonds, and forming a safe space where you don’t feel disabled. What does everyone else think? Have you done sports and did you have a positive or negative experience with them?
I play rugby and it's brilliant. I find that socialising is much easier if it has a purpose or is based around an activity, and of course there are all the added benefits of fitness, teamwork & discipline among others. I'd recommend it!
Some people who are autistic have very good coordination - we are people of extremes.
I do tai chi, which is a form of exercise rather than a sport (although some of its martial applications such as push-hands would qualify as a sport), and I find it excellent for relieving any stress and anxiety I may have although these are a lot lower these days than they used to be.
Well I’m an odd one really - I am very clumsy in some ways i.e. I can’t throw and catch a ball, I walk into things all the time, I’m very slow to pick up new movements - but it seems that once I’ve mastered something it sticks.
It’s good that you have found tai chi to be beneficial for your stress and anxiety. I did used to run to help with mine but I currently have an injury that means I can’t which has been hard.
Yes, I suppose I should have been more general and asked if people found exercise (not necessarily sport) to be beneficial.