Make the benefits of trampolines for your special needs child a reality
What are the daily experiences for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
People with autism spectrum disorders often suffer from anxiety and built-up stress. Some autistic children will often jump up and down to relieve themselves from the tension. If this is done in the street or in a room full of furniture, it can lead to injuries. Jumping on a trampoline is a safe way to help people with ADD or ASD to unwind after a busy day.
- Children and grown-ups with an ASD have to deal with sensory imbalances and in order to control that feeling, they will seek relief in repetitive movements, like rocking, swinging and fidgeting.
- Jumping on a trampoline is an excellent way to simulate these soothing moves and works as an anti-stress method at the same time.
The benefits you may notice in your child with a trampoline:
What is impressive is that once children with imbalances start using the trampoline, their previous sensory cravings can reduce. This is particularly beneficial for children who cave in destructive behaviours to use their excessive energy.
As children suffering from ASD and ADD often have behavioural and impulse control problems, as well as coordination issues. Regular trampoline exercise can help them deal with these challenges effectively, by helping them control their body movement and balance both physically and mentally.
Many caregivers of autistic children have reported that when trampoline exercise becomes part of the daily routine:
- Kids show signs of improvement when it comes to both their motor skills and interaction with other children.
- If a family has a special needs member and the other children find it hard to enjoy their company the trampoline can be a great way for all of them to spend time together and play.
- As trampoline requires the users to focus in order not to fall, it helps kids with ADD gain clarity and be present during the trampoline games. This way communication between the family members becomes easier and more effective.
The benefits from this low impact "play" are that it exercises the whole body to improve muscle tone and flexibility while also improving joint function. Trampolines can be a great tool to help children with ASD to have a more balanced life. Always keep in mind that safety nets and padding should be used and kids should not be allowed to play unsupervised.
However, it is very important that you do choose the correct trampoline for these special needs kids. Our experiences are that some kids want and do need a big trampoline to run and jump free, others feel insecure in a big space. If the trampoline bounce isn't to their liking then convincing them to get back on and try again isn't something that happens without a lot of cajoling. If you have a desire to chat your situation over with a Play Expert then please call us on 03 52921100 or message us via TAWK.
Trampoline Selector →
