Children with high functioning disabilities have many factors that complicate the quest for physical fitness. In addition to physical limitations, a need to develop emotional boundaries and social skills, along with a natural tendency towards obesity can greatly restrict opportunities for sports and exercise. These factors, combined with the isolation experienced by most families with special needs children, can make the most committed parent give up in frustration.
Of course, access to programs like those offered by Us Too Gymnastics is ideal for this profile of child, but a safe place with specially trained educators may not be available to all parents. For these parents, a few helpful tips follow; 1) Use a heart monitor to teach your child about exercise intensity level – they will enjoy self-monitoring and you will not have to worry about them overdoing things. 2) Any physical activity is good. Kicking a ball or shooting hoops is great, but even better are rhythmic, large muscle activities that may appeal to a disabled child’s natural affinity for rhythm. Running, hopping, jumping and bicycling all fulfill this goal. 3) Add fun to activity with music or sing-along videos, and finally, for younger children, 4) Make colorful cards, cut pictures from magazines or use shapes and stuffed animals to bring songs alive.
Every child can find success and explore their potential, and physical activity is a wonderful gateway for special needs children. Help your child explore the world by using sports and fun activities to explore the world inside your child: http://www.ustoogymnastics.org/
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