Adapted PE
Category: Autism

I teach two classrooms of children with autism. Students in the classrooms are low functioning and non-verbal. After much trial and error I find that they like to be outside. I have a large fenced-in field with benches and bleachers for balance, going up and down, and jumping. We also have a rope grid(that football players use for agility) and some large truck tires that they like to walk around. We take a half mile walk as we utilize these obstacles and spend the last 5 minutes in a playground climbing and swinging. The students seem very happy and calm during this activity. Do you think this is an appropriate activity for this type of group? Please give me any other suggestions.

Since you state the use of football equipment as well as benches and bleachers, I am assuming your students are in high school. I think fitness-related activities are very good for all students, regardless of ability level, and perhaps even more so for students with disabilities.

Students w/ autism tend to like activities where swinging or spinning are involved. It stimulates the vestibular system and excites them. For the most part I think what you're doing is appropriate. My only question is about climbing on the playground equipment. Is the equipment designed for younger children?

I would suggest gradually broadening their repertoire of skills to include, but not limited to, other activities that can be done outdoors - jumping rope, using stability balls, Trikkes - three wheeled scooter like vehicle, fitness equipment at a park, balance boards like the Indo Board, as well as interactive activities like dance or partner workouts (take turns in a circuit - one walks or runs while the other performs movements at a station like jumping jacks).

Last modified date: 9/13/2010

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