Autistic Daily

John-Morgan on Flickr

Toys R Us has collaborated with the National Leotek Center and the Autism Speaks organization to compile a list of toys recommended for children with autism.

These toys function to help children with autism in several areas including fine motor skills and socialization.

The TaDoodles Washable All-in-One Paints, for example, can help children who have difficulty grasping crayons. The paint tool is held with the entire hand versus fingers and allows the child to express him or herself creatively and communicate.

There’s also the KidZoom Camera, another creative tool that allows the child to take pictures of his environment, and provids another opportunity to both communicate thoughts and feelings, as well as develop creativity.

Other toys recommended for autism children are available on the Toys R Us website.

via Jackson Special Needs Examiner

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FF6600 on Flickr

We briefly touched on a few sports that help autistic children develop athletically earlier in the week.

Now, yet another sport, rock climbing is purported to be good for their physical development and confidence skills, with some programs being endorsed by autism advocate groups.

Katherine Weadley, Boulder Rock Climbing Examiner, points out that climbing works to improve motor skills that autistic children often have troubles with.

“Climbing and related activities help to develop the vestibular system (balance) and proprioception (spatial body awareness). It improves overall muscle tone in people who typically have undeveloped muscle tone. Fine motor skills (fingers and toes) and gross motor skills (legs, arms) are developed simultaneously by this sport.”

Programs exists for autistic and other individuals who are challenged.

In Utah, for example, Splore’s Rock On! offers a rock climbing program specifically for autistic children and has recently received a grant from the autism advocacy group, Autism Speaks.

And in Boulder, Colorado, ABC Kids’ Climbing gives one on one private instruction to children with disabilities.

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thivierr on Flickr

The stereotype of the autistic child or adolescent being physically clumsy and awkward is, well, just that-a stereotype!

Dr. Anthony Alessi, Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital, says not only can autistic children excel in sports, they should be encouraged to do so.

“Sports play a role in treating autism by emphasizing coordination and body awareness,” Dr. Alessi writes in the Norwich Bullentin. “Dedication to improving a particular athletic skill will also increase confidence and support other therapies.”

Team sports are usually not recommended because of the intense communication and social interaction required, but solitary sports such as running, cycling, and even martial arts can all build confidence and improve an autistic child’s health and well being.

Visit Dr. Alessi’s article to view other sports recommended for autistic children.

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