Regulation Rendezvous-- Exercise

Exercise is an evidence-based practice for students with autism spectrum disorders. It has been identified to improve behavior, increase school readiness, improve academic outcomes, and improve motor skill development. Exercise is defined as an increase in physical exertion for a minimum of 10 minutes that occurs on a regular basis. The physical exertion is measured by an elevation in the participant’s heart rate and an increase in core body temperature as evidenced by sweat production. Exercise often begins with a warm-up activity, followed by the exercise activity, and finishes with a cool-down activity.

Many different activities are considered to be exercise. Some examples include jogging/walking, yoga, swimming, resistance training, etc. The key is to identify an exercise activity that the individual with autism will be willing to actively complete. Today's Regulation Rendezvous features ways we have seen exercise incorporated into classrooms around the Miami Valley. 

Some classrooms have exercise equipment that students can use during sensory breaks or at scheduled times of day.

rock wallEric Bostick
Beverly Gardens Elementary, Mad River

scooterboard with backrestTabitha Eaton
Main Elementary, Beavercreek

stationary bikeJennifer McGowan
Smith Middle School, Vandalia

treadmill
Carrie Prickett
Jane Chance Elementary, Miamisburg

If you have a student who likes to pace, jump, crawl, or use a scooterboard during their exercise break, it can be helpful to provide a path as a visual support so they understand the expectation in that area and to decrease distraction in other areas of the classroom. 

Therese Garison
Helke Elementary, Vandalia

Studebaker Preschool, Huber Heights

Other effective visual supports include exercise routines, choice board, or exercise dice. 

Brittany Bush
Spinning Hills Middle School, Mad River

Allyson Rudnicki
Tipp High School, Tipp City

Jackie Vollmer
Driscoll Elementary, Centerville

Edison Elementary, Dayton

Carrie Prickett
Jane Chance Elementary, Miamisburg

If students are scheduled to engage in a work task after exercising, we recommend having them  complete a calming activity such as dots and squeezies, deep breathing, or a cool down stretches to help calm their bodies in preparation for work.