New School Year, New Goals

It is becoming increasingly evident to schools across the US that physical education must become a priority if we want to succeed in raising a generation of healthy, able children. While the childhood obesity issue seems to front-run every article concerning youth health, I think it is important to argue that children being able to move correctly, and enjoy movement, is paramount to body composition. Of course, these two ideas are intertwined. A child engaging in regular exercise, who enjoys movement, and has a healthful diet is likely to have better body composition than a child who is sedentary and survives on processed and packaged foods.

The special needs and young autism population is no different. Both integrated special education programs and special education institutions must begin to consider fitness as a necessary part of curriculum. Sports activities are great for fun and socialization, however they fail to provide a general stimulus with regard to motor patterning and functional movement development. Sports involve very specific movements that often have applicability only to that given activity. Physical education programs must focus on general physical development, meaning motor planning and postural stability.

I am planning for this to be a big year in terms of the impact I have on bringing physical fitness to the autism community. I am looking for like-minded parents and professionals to help me in what I know is an essential aspect of success for every child, fitness for life. As always, feel free to contact me with questions, comments, or ideas: eric@theraplay-ny.com

Here are some new links as well:

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070830122305.htm

http://www.iyca.org/

New Links

It has been a busy, busy Summer thusfar. In addition to working with my athletes I am currently working on a companion manual to my first DVD, "Beyond Boundaries" the first exercise DVD developed specifically for the autism population. In addition to that news, I also have some links:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/07/05/with_rise_in_autism_programs_strained/

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-07-02-autism-behaviors_N.htm

Take great care. I'll update soon.

EC

Hey, Go Out and Play

I honestly do not know how many people regularly follow this blog now, but I do want to provide regular updates and info for those of you who take the time to read the posts. Of high priority in establishing lifelong habits of fitness is the concept of pairing physical activity with praise and other positive reinforcers. This spring, try to make outdoor activities a regular family event. Public parks, playgrounds, and any spacious areas are great for establishing basic fitness programs, even if that means running, jumping, or simply walking around. Grab a ball and have a family catch, set up some makeshift hurdles to duck under, crawl through, and step over. Recently I've discovered that one of my favorite training toys on the planet, the waterball, is also a magnet for creative and intense play with children. To make a waterball, take a regual Swiss, or exercise ball, and rather than air, use a hose to fill the ball with water. Be careful because they get HEAVY. The waterball is a diverse tool with limitless application for any athlete (I have to credit Ross Enamit of www.rosstraining.com for the idea). You do NOT have to buy expensive equipment to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle for yourself and your child. But you do have to take action and be inspired to create a fit environment.

-EC

The Hopefully long-awaited SECOND ENTRY

Yes, I have not updated in some time and it is frustrating (at least for me) to not see this blog pick up in action and content. Enough apologies, link time. I'm constantly scouring the net for autism-related news and programs. The information can be overwhelming, underwhelming, poorly-misconstrued, and simply wrong. I do my best to filter out the crud and post the important stuff. Here they are, some links to studies and ongoing research, some articles, and some other goodies:

http://discovermagazine.com/2007/apr/autism-it2019s-not-just-in-the-head

http://www.autismtoday.com/articles/autism_excercise.htm

http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php

http://www.acamnet.org

In the near future I want to make this site a nexus for information concerning autism and healthy development. If anyone has a suggested link or comment please feel free to email me (eric@theraplay-ny.com) or post it up.

I will update soon.

-EC

First Link

Here's an important link that I feel is well worth your internet time. Every parent, educator, and concerned professional I speak with seems to lament about the decreasing physical activity children have access to. Gym class should not be about the athletes playing while the "non-athletes" look on. Physical, as much as any other area of education, should be universally available for each and every individual.

http://ipausa.org/

-EC
eric@theraplay-ny.com

It has been long enough that I finally learn to use my blog, but I am happy to report that I have figured it out. I will readily admit that I am far more comfortable tossing around a medicine ball than I am pounding away on a keyboard, but the payoff is well worth it, as I get to bring new information to the site and to my readers. I always love to know how people have come across my site. I have numerous times performed Google searches for "autism fitness athletics spots wellness, ect." and mostly come up with a large conglomeration of unrelated or incompatible results. I intend on changing that with Theraplay-ny and the foundations of fitness that make up Beyond Boundaries. In the coming days, weeks, months, and years I plan on making this site a nexus of info on fitness and better living for the autism community. It will be my pleasure and joy to share it with as many individuals as possible. If ever you have a question, do not hesitate to contact me.

-EC
eric@theraplay-ny.com