Exercise DVD for Autistic Individuals

I have not used or viewed the following product, and so can not endorse it. If anyone tries it and would like to submit feedback about it, it would be welcome here.

New DVD Showcases Fitness Activities That Improve Socialization Skills For Children With Autism

WILLOWBROOK, Ill., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half of the nation's children with autism are overweight, at risk for diabetes or cardiovascular disease, have bone and joint problems or suffer from depression, anxiety and gastrointestinal problems. That alarming statistic...

 7 JUN 2012 WDM Group PR Network

0
inShare

WILLOWBROOK, Ill., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half of the nation's children with autism are overweight, at risk for diabetes or cardiovascular disease, have bone and joint problems or suffer from depression, anxiety and gastrointestinal problems. That alarming statistic was the impetus for a new exercise video for children with autism, hosted by nationally recognized fitness expert Suzanne Gray.  

Gray, who is CEO of Right Fit Sports Fitness Wellness, Willowbrook, has spent more than 30 years developing fitness programs for children with special needs.  Over time, she has seen how exercise works in addressing obesity, improving motor skills and muscle tone, eliminating self-destructive and self-stimulating behaviors and enhancing socialization skills for children with autism.  The DVD, entitled, Raising the Bar: Fitness & Movement Exercises for Youth and Adults with Autism, was produced by Healthy Learning and is now available to order online at www.Amazon.com, www.Right-Fit.com and www.healthylearning.com. 

The specific developmental exercises and movement activities featured in the DVD are included in Suzanne's innovative "Raise the Bar©" program, which are included in the book 101 Games and Activities for Youth with Autism. Her program received the Club Industry "Best of the Best Award" in the category of "Best Children's Fitness Program."

"The DVD demonstrates specific exercises parents and teachers can do with their children every day," says Gray.  "A structured routine is essential to improving the muscular imbalances and compensations, deficient motor skills, poor posture and other fitness pitfalls common among youth with autism. When you combine a fitness program with music and play, it enhances the way a child with autism responds to sensory information and it will boost independence, happiness and self-esteem."

ABOUT SUZANNE M. GRAY

Gray's programs have been implemented by community centers, schools, and park districts across the country. They have been deployed at the nationally recognized Argonne National Laboratory and with several private and not-for-profit organizations, such as Charlie's Gift, Hinsdale, IL; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, Naperville, IL.  These organizations/schools support and bring awareness to special needs children who struggle with various issues, such as socialization, motor skills and obesity.

For more information on Suzanne M. Gray or Right-Fit, log on to www.Right-Fit.com, or www.suzannemgray.com.

SOURCE Suzanne M. Gray

Kids Enjoy Exercise Now- KEEN

What is Keen?


KEEN is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN's mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.

Copy and paste this URL to visit the home page for KEEN's website.

http://www.keenusa.org/

Under Programs, KEEN has this to say:

Programs

At the beginning of each KEEN session, all athletes and their coaches warm up as a large group and then pursue individual activities that are tailored solely to the needs of the athlete. Our core program, “KEEN Sports” takes place in a gym with a variety of sports equipment available. Athletes and coaches may throw a basketball or kick a soccer ball, or they may take a walk around an outdoor track. Many athletes love to bounce on our large therapy balls, and others enjoy speeding across the floor on our 4-wheeled scooter boards.

In addition to KEEN Sports, affiliates may offer other programs including KEEN Swim, which brings the KEEN formula to the pool, KEEN Tennis, KEEN Bowling, KEEN Fit, and even KEEN Music. Such diverse activities as Tai-Kwan-Do and Yoga have been adapted to fit KEEN’s approach. Check with your local affiliate to see what programs are offered in your area.

Each session ends with “Prouds.” Everyone comes together in a circle and shares with the group what they did that day that made them very Proud. Participants literally go out dancing to such great tunes as the Hokey-Pokey or the Macarena. Athletes burn energy, meet and interact with new volunteers, see old friends, and then rejoin their parents, who have had some precious respite time. At the end of the session, it’s hard to tell who has had more fun – the athletes or their coaches.

KEEN now has programs in the following 8 cities:
KEEN Greater DC
KEEN Chicago
KEEN Kansas City
KEEN St. Louis
KEEN Los Angeles
KEEN San Francisco
KEEN New York
KEEN Phoenix