Written by Sara McEvoy, PT, DPT
Nearly 20% of children have a chronic condition or disability, and despite their ability to participate in many of the same activities as their able-bodied and neurotypical peers, they're often excluded due to lack of access.
Resilient, adaptable, and creative, special needs children can truly thrive when provided with the right support and environmental modifications.
But, staying physically active and engaged within their families, schools, and communities can be quite difficult for children with physical and mental disabilities.
Addressing these challenges and reducing the barriers to exercise for children with special needs matters—in a big way.
After all, physical activity benefits not only the child with a disability, but her family and her community, too.
All children need daily physical activity and exercise, whether they are living with a disability or not. In many cases, this "exercise" looks like sports, play, and imagination—nothing like the treadmill or elliptical that their parents use!
Here are a few specific benefits of regular exercise for children with disabilities:
For the physical and mental health of future generations, it's imperative that all children have access to safe and engaging play. But for the child with special needs, he or she may face many barriers to this important developmental catalyst and birthright.
For instance, playgrounds, sports, and toys are often not designed to accommodate the different devices children need to mobilize (such as wheelchairs and walkers).
Sports and leisure environments also do not always accommodate the different perceptual and sensory challenges some children face, including low vision or hypersensitivity to certain stimuli.
Additional barriers to access and participation may include:
These barriers can and do negatively impact the well-being of the children as well as their parents or caregivers, who struggle with the inability to fully involve their children in family activities.
Because of this, children with special needs are almost twice as likely to be sedentary, leading them to become overweight or obese and decreasing their overall physical and mental health.
It's fair to say that in most cases, children with physical and mental disability are not purposefully excluded from school- or community-based opportunities for play and exercise.
But the reality is, many people lack a general understanding of the unique needs that these children face. Additionally, many people don't always realize how relatively simple it is to accommodate these needs!
These high back swings are fantastic playground options for children who may not have the strength, balance, activity tolerance, nor coordination to safely sit on a typical swing. Made with durable materials, these swings also provide soothing movement and stimulation to children with perceptual and cognitive difficulties including autism and self-management issues. Parents and caregivers have the chance to provide full supervision to more children and let their kid with special needs enjoy the swing with more independence.
Colorful and comfortable, this device features hygienic, easy-to-clean, and durable material. With a low center of gravity and adjustable positioning devices, the Jettmobile allows children to explore their environment safely while improving their neck, trunk, and extremity strength. From children with Down syndrome and low tone to children affected by brain injuries, this device permits safe mobility and weight-bearing exercise. Caster wheels are covered with padding for pinch- and snag-free fun!
Many children require protective headgear to reduce the risk of a head injury in the event of a fall. For example, falls may be more common in children with seizures, mobility and coordination problems, vision deficits, certain behavioral management problems, traumatic brain injury, and more. This stylish cap can provide the subtle protection a child needs without drawing unwanted attention. It also gives parents and children greater confidence and peace of mind while enjoying a challenging hike or other outdoor activity—in addition to sun protection!
A child can cruise around with her friends with greater safety and comfort in this low-riding tricycle. Designed for children ages 7 to 12 and up to 5'2" tall, the bike features a unique rear-wheel steering design and hand brakes for easier use. It can offer your child an effective low impact workout while also giving him the chance to work on his eye/hand coordination.
Parents and caregivers can plan family outings with greater confidence using an all-terrain stroller like this. It's adjustable and lightweight, so it's easy to pack and can accommodate a child's varying needs for postural support. Perfect for families of children who may tire more easily, physically or mentally, and would benefit from a safe and comfortable place where they can engage with surrounding people and activities (or take a much-needed rest from them).
Like any child, a child with special needs deserves the opportunity to remain as active and engaged as possible given the features of their specific condition. Regular exercise and play helps them manage their condition more effectively, improve their confidence, and increase their joy and physical and mental health.
For more information on helpful tools and caregiving tips, check out our full library at Caregiver University, the internet’s #1 source for caregiver support.
Sara McEvoy, PT, DPT, is a licensed and board-certified Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has direct clinical experience within the long-term acute care and skilled nursing settings, and has a special interest in geriatrics and neurological rehab. She is also a freelance writer who creates content almost exclusively within the health and wellness fields.
_design_happy_hollow_happy_hollow_corected_image_outdoors_2_kids_running_to_hh_sun_1.jpgun_1.jpeg&maxheight=250&width=365&product_name=Happy Hollow by Playground Equipment "Happy Hollow by Playground Equipment")
