| I want to talk a little bit about the role of exercise and | | | | Another wonderful activity for kids is riding their bike. |
| treatment of Autism. Some recent information has | | | | Swimming is also a great activity, as is just about |
| come out that discusses how exercise impacts | | | | anything that lets them be physically active. I really do |
| depression. What research seems to be finding is that | | | | encourage parents to let their children get out in the |
| for individuals who get regular exercise, which means | | | | fresh air and natural sun light, especially now that |
| at least 30 minutes per day, 3 to 5 times per week, | | | | summer is here and the days are getting longer. Let |
| they had significantly reduced rates of depressive | | | | your child explore, play and run if that is something that |
| issues, by 45%. And given that in our country we | | | | they seem interested in. |
| primarily treat depression using ant-depressive | | | | We see more and more children who spend most of |
| medications, this new information is very significant. | | | | their time inside, usually stuck on the computer or stuck |
| Just simply getting enough aerobic exercise each | | | | on video games or watching movies. And many |
| week, 30 minutes a day and between 3 and 5 days | | | | children with Autism spend many hours a day in |
| per week, can reduce depression significantly. | | | | therapy sessions. After their therapy sessions they |
| Over the course of treating children in my practice for | | | | can tend to be anxious, hyper, agitated, and have |
| years, I too have seen the benefits of children with | | | | trouble sleeping. What can make a world of difference |
| Autism who get regular exercise. They seem to | | | | is making sure your child also gets some exercise. A |
| function better, that can mean better behavior, better | | | | nightly walk after dinner can be a great place to start. |
| attention, better focusing, less anxiety, etc. And yet for | | | | And remember, it is not all about supplements, it is not |
| children, the definition of exercise can be different than | | | | just about medications, it is not just about a diet. |
| that of an adult. Going to a park and letting them run | | | | Sometimes a change in attitude comes from good |
| and play on the equipment can be great exercise. | | | | physical exertion and physical exercise, it can put your |
| They have the opportunity to run, climb and swing. | | | | child with Autism in a better mental state. |