| Let's discuss exercise in relation to Autism for just a | | | | and swing. Riding a bike is another great form of |
| bit. There is information out just recently on how | | | | exercise for kids, as is swimming, just being physically |
| depression can be impacted by exercise. The findings | | | | active. So I like to encourage parents, especially now |
| are showing that for people who exercise regularly, | | | | as we start summer and the days get longer, to let |
| which is equivalent to at least 30 minutes per day and | | | | their kids play outside in the natural sunlight and the |
| between 3 and 5 days per week, they can have a | | | | fresh air. Let your child run and play and explore if that |
| dramatic reduction in their depressive issues, up to | | | | is something that they enjoy. |
| 45% reduction as a matter of fact. This finding is very | | | | Nowadays so many children are kept inside all day |
| significant, especially given the fact that we primarily | | | | long, they tend to either be stuck to the computer or |
| treat depression with the use of anti-depressive | | | | stuck to a video game or watching movies. I know |
| medications in this country. But, this new data shows | | | | that many children on the spectrum are in therapy |
| how simple exercise, aerobic activity between 3 and 5 | | | | sessions for much of the day and that when they get |
| days per week for 30 minutes each time can | | | | out of those therapy sessions they can be agitated, |
| significantly impact depression. | | | | anxious, hyper, and they can have difficulty sleeping. |
| Throughout the years I have also seen children in my | | | | So simply adding in a little more exercise can make a |
| practice who function more appropriately when they | | | | world of difference. Even adding a walk after dinner |
| get exercise on a regular basis. This could impact | | | | can help, it is not all about a diet, it is not all about |
| behavior, attention, focusing, anxiety, etc. And exercise | | | | medications or supplements either. Sometimes we all |
| for children can take many, many forms. For example, | | | | just need good old physical exertion and physical |
| going to the park and letting them run on the | | | | activity to change a person's attitude and put your child |
| playground equipment, using those muscles to climb | | | | on the Autism spectrum in a better mental state. |