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/