Spring has arrived. People are out and about. For those of us who have the luxury of having an intact socio-behavioral makeup, moving with an intended purpose comes very easily. We make a plan, hypothesize and predict about our endeavor, and set out for our activity. These outings can include exercising, shopping, enjoying nature, relaxing, and other executed physical activities. We are lucky to be able to enjoy these moments.
People with special needs have limited experience in social activities due to weaker executive functioning skills and independent leisure activities. Many times they will run into a brick wall as they attempt to open the symbolic gate that encloses their daily lives.
Spring is a perfect season to develop a daily habit of action. We are all aware now that being outside in fresh air and sunlight, while being active, brings an abundance of physical, mental, and spiritual health into our lives. We need to teach these healthy habits to all and make it a way of life for people with special needs.
Many people with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder, have a tendency to make physical movements that seem to be disengaged from an intention. Whether it be running back and forth, jumping up and down, rocking, finding visual stimulation from repetitive physical movements, or other seemingly off-task behaviors, these individuals appear to be out of sync.
While as a professional and advocate for people with special needs, I do truly believe that families should allot a certain period of time during the day for these individuals to just “be” who they are; it is important to teach how to move our bodies in a functional way.
Teaching functional activities would be analyzed and shaped behaviorally. Always replace unwanted behavior with socially appropriate behavior that is similar in sound, sight, feeling, and motivation. Most importantly, the individuals have to be motivated to move in the direction you are proposing. Simple is best. Keep in mind realistic activities. Most of us enjoy the simple things in life: parks, walking our dogs, drinking coffee and tea at cafes, shopping, exercising, listening to music, cooking and eating, or enjoying our hobbies.
One scenario you can picture is a teenager who snaps his fingers by his ears on a constant basis. He loves music. Provide him with music lessons with an instrument that will require him to hold the instrument near his shoulders and ears, in which he would have to use his fingers, such as maracas or the violin.
Keep it simple. The lessons should be modified and fun — the idea would be this young man would have a hobby of music therapy, so his body would now engage in a natural way that leads to a goal. He will feel success. He is hustling and bustling and aiming towards his own bottom line.
Another example is that you have a child who runs back and forth across the living room when she feels overstimulated. Just like we schedule exercise in our lives or your other children have Little League practice, this child will now have daily exercise time at the high school track. Pick a time when the track is the least crowded; this is due to the fact that your child may have a tendency to be louder than others and also may run across the lanes. Include an iPod of her favorite songs, if she enjoys music, so that she fits in socially.
Now let her go! Let her fly like the wind and get all of her running out of her system in a completely enjoyable, outdoor, fresh air way! She is using her body and energy and hustling and bustling and aiming towards her own bottom line.
Spring is a time of rebirth and a fresh start. Include your special family member into this action plan by developing one or two outdoor activities to enjoy each week. Happy spring!
