New book offers exercise tips for autistic children

By Staff Writer

Exercise can help children with autism improve their motor function skills, according to a new book by a renowned fitness expert.

The book, which is called 101 games and Activities for Youth with Autism, will be released on April 2 in conjunction with World Autism Day. It is authored by Suzanne Gray, who is the founder of Right Fit Sports Fitness Wellness, which is a personal training center for youth and adults. In addition, she has spent more than three decades developing fitness programs for individuals who have special needs.

The activities and games in the book are based on the Raise the bar program, which is a model youth fitness program that was designed by Gray. The selection details fun routines that parents can perform with their autistic children every day. They are designed to improve muscular imbalances, deficient motor skills and poor posture.

More than half of children with autism experience a variety of health problems because of their lack of physical activity. These risks include diabetes, cardiovascular problems, bone and joint problems as well as depression.

Adolescents who suffer from a developmental disorder may benefit from the physical programs that are offered by many wilderness therapy camps.