Jumping on trampolines is known to help reduce weight, strengthen muscles, develop motor skills, detoxify the body, and boost the immune system. But trampolines can also make a drastic difference in the lives of children with autism.
Autism and its characteristics
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the way the brain processes information. It occurs in varying degrees of severity, which means that some children with autism can live normal lives, while others need extra help.
Children with autism typically have deficits in three main areas, difficulties with social communication and interaction, and difficulties in flexible thinking. They may also have special interests, learning difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and a reliance on daily routines.
Jumping on trampolines can benefit many such children, but above all, it’s an exercise that offers a complete sense of fun and well-being. Trampolines are an excellent form of therapy for children with autism, as it helps them to be physically active while developing their mental and physical abilities. Let's take a look at how trampolines can have a positive impact on children with autism.
A study conducted in Portugal found that jumping on a trampoline can contribute significantly to improving motor skills as well as leg strength for children with autism. In addition, trampolining is a fun and relaxing way to improve any child’s physical fitness, which is essential for fully engaging in everyday activities. This also translates into a higher quality of life.
Trampolines improve sensory skills
Children with autism sometimes have some difficulties in perceiving their surroundings through the senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. This is not forgetting the vestibular and proprioceptive sensory systems, which are particularly engaged by jumping on trampolines.
The vestibular system is linked to balance and head movement, while the proprioceptive system is linked to awareness of the whole body and its position in space. Children with autism can significantly improve their perception and processing of sensory information by jumping on trampolines, which also improves their control over their bodies.
Trampolines have a positive impact on learning skills
As traditional teaching methods can be particularly challenging for children with autism, it’s vital to find other, friendlier, and more involving ways to develop their intellectual abilities. Trampolines are certainly a fun alternative to help teach and educate children with autism, especially those who have great difficulties in the classroom.
But trampolines also have a positive impact on the learning abilities of children with autism in another way. Jumping on trampolines relaxes children and helps them to use up excess energy, so they can concentrate more easily on their studies and schoolwork.
Trampolines relieve stress and improve mood
Jumping on trampolines can bring joy and satisfaction to anyone, as the activity naturally releases endorphins in the brain, which are associated with the feeling of happiness. This is even more important for children with autism, as they often experience slightly higher levels of anxiety than others.
Trampolines can thus play a very important role in the lives of children with autism, helping them to let go of stress and relax. This type of exercise is also effective in releasing excess energy, so children can become much calmer and more focused on their other activities.
Trampolines are a great exercise to improve motor skills
The aforementioned study also found that trampolines are one of the best ways to improve motor skills, especially balance and coordination. These two skills are particularly necessary in adulthood, which makes it all the more important for children with autism to start developing them from an early age.
In addition to coordination and balance, we shouldn’t forget about the development of strength, especially of the leg and core muscles. An unstable surface, such as a trampoline, is also great for developing the muscles in the foot and encouraging fine movements. This also affects overall stability, which is crucial for standing, walking, running, and even sitting.
Trampolines have a positive effect on improving social skills
Children with autism can sometimes get lost in their thoughts, which makes it harder for them to make friends and interact with their peers. Trampolines provide a great opportunity to break old patterns and overcome barriers to making new friends and are a fun way to meet people.
Trampolines can be used for different jumps and games that involve the whole body, which can be especially fun for children with autism. In this way, trampolines give them additional opportunities to have new experiences and make new friends.
One trampoline that excels in supporting children with autism is the Akrobat XITYX. Engineered to be durable and adaptable, this trampoline grows alongside your child from their early years through adolescence and into adulthood. Its benefits provide a safe and enjoyable sensory experience, making it an ideal choice for families seeking long-lasting support.
Jumping on trampolines offers endless possibilities for healthy, active fun for children with autism. At the end of each action-packed session, there’ll be lasting benefits for their motor, sensory, and social skills, along with positive impacts on their emotions, learning, and physical abilities. Just make sure, as with all children, they’re always jumping under the watchful eye of an adult.
