Strengthen Your Autistic Child's Body Muscles At Home
Table of contents:
Strengthen Your Child's Body Muscles for Motor Skill Development at Home
An Iron Swing: The Best of Playful Motor Skill Development
Fun Swing Exercises to Improve Motor Skills and Hand Grip
1. Swinging fun while Counting for Bilateral Coordination
2. Promote independent Climbing to Improve Grip and Core Strength
As parents of a child with autism, you may have noticed that daily tasks that call for strong hand grips and fine motor skills can be quite difficult. This can show up in a number of ways, including:
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holding a plate incorrectly.
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Trouble pressing buttons or other objects.
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Struggling to turn on a tap.
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Being unable to pour water from a bottle into a glass.
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Difficulty holding a spoon while eating.
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Finding it hard to serve food onto their own plate.
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Struggling to put on sandals and fasten the straps.
Children with autism spectrum disorder may find it difficult to perform many tasks that require hand strength and dexterity (ASD). Therefore, how can we help your autistic child develop their hand grip and motor skills in a fun and encouraging way?
An Iron Swing: The Best of Playful Motor Skill Development
Using an iron swing at home is the easiest, most fun, and most efficient way to practice hand grips and develop gross motor skills.
When your child climbs onto an iron swing, gets off by themselves, and even attempts to hang from the pipe, it offers a wealth of benefits. Not only does it significantly improve their hand grip strength, but it also strengthens their overall body muscles.
This type of play-based therapy works wonders for proprioception, coordination, and muscle growth. The best thing about it? It is the perfect at-home activity for sensory integration and muscle strengthening because you don't have to force anything on your child; they will naturally gravitate toward the fun and engagement.
Important Safety Advice:
Make sure your iron swing is firmly in place and that it is consistently inspected for stability before beginning any swinging activities. To keep your child safe, always keep an eye on them while they are playing.
Fun Swing Exercises to Improve Motor Skills and Hand Grip:
On the iron swing, you can design a variety of exercises that specifically focus on developing hand grip and fine motor skills:
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Swinging fun while Counting for Bilateral Coordination:
To foster physical development, this activity improves the relationship between parents and children.
Source: FreePik.com
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Sit on the ground a little distance from the swing and have your child sit on it.
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Tie a long, sturdy piece of cloth to the swing.
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Gently push your child while counting aloud with enthusiasm:
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"One……!" "Two…….!" "Three…..!" "Four…….!" "Five……..!"
Your child will undoubtedly enjoy this engaging activity. To maintain balance on the swing, they'll instinctively use their hands, which will actively strengthen their arm muscles and improve their hand grip.
Furthermore, as your child looks at you while swinging, their eye contact can improve, and your parent-child bond will strengthen, fostering social skills alongside physical development.
2. Promote independent Climbing to Improve Grip and Core Strength:
Encourage your child to get on and off the swing by themselves. Help only when necessary, then progressively promote greater independence.
They will develop vital core strength, strengthen their arm muscles, and improve their grip significantly through this independent play.
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It enhances proprioception and general body awareness, two skills that kids with ASD often struggle with.
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By employing these engaging and enjoyable activities, you can help your autistic child cultivate their hand grip, general motor skills, and even social-emotional growth in the comfy and cozy environment of your home.
Remember that:
Every child is unique, and what works for one may need adaptation for another. Consulting with an occupational therapist can provide tailored strategies for your child's specific needs.
Start incorporating these enjoyable activities today and watch your autistic child's confidence, independence, and physical abilities blossom!
