MEASURING SUCCESS: (Above left) Seth with his mom Muhsinah and little brother; (Above right) Seth's goal is to become a baker one day.
TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE
Learning to enjoy exercise and prioritize physical fitness doesn't happen overnight – developing healthy habits takes time and dedication. Instilling the importance of health and nutrition in children is another matter altogether, particularly when your child is autistic.
The symptoms of autism can make it more difficult for autistic children and teens to get involved with physical activities or eat healthy foods. For example, communication challenges and issues with motor control and balance might make joining a game of ball at recess very stressful. Sensitivities to certain food textures or flavors might limit a child’s diet, making healthy eating more difficult.
Because of these challenges, research shows that young people with autism are at higher risk of being overweight or obese,3 which can result in a host of health issues later in life. This risk is especially high because some
"PUTTING HIS BODY TO THE TEST AND MAKING HIM DO HARD WORK LIKE RUNNING, THROWING A BALL AND LIFTING WEIGHTS IS REALLY HELPING HIM STAY GROUNDED."
medications commonly prescribed to autistic people have a side effect of weight gain. To avoid these risks, it is important for parents to start teaching their children healthy habits as early as possible, and in a way that includes their needs, interests and preferences.
D epending on your child’s level of communication, explaining facts about diet and nutrition may be difficult. What has worked for Muhsinah and Seth is watching videos together of kids his age working out and taking care of their bodies. Seth wants to be a baker, so he and his mom also spend time talking about portion sizes and appropriate quantities of certain unhealthy foods. Though he does not always express his understanding in the moment, Muhsinah says that these videos and the guidance she gives him every day have made a big difference in his eating habits.
"I am teaching him healthy habits through our daily interactions," she says. "I also try to remember that he's a teenager, and boys eat everything. He is growing, so everything in moderation. I don't police his food, but I do set limits and allow him to choose."• For more physical fitness resources, head over to autisms- peaks.org/physical-fitness
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marta Chmielowicz is the Content Manager of Mission Delivery at Autism Speaks, where she leads science communications to advance the mission of Autism Speaks to create an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.