Pedometer
Sometimes we have to be a bit sneaky to impact the health and fitness of less active individuals with autism. Take a look at this great idea for encouraging even your most reluctant couch potato to become more active.
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We know lifetime health depends on regular, on-going activity, and we know every step counts when considering health and fitness. Those two principles can be implemented readily in the lives of our friends with autism who are interested in numbers and gadgets.
Walking is great exercise, and a pedometer is a fun gadget that encourages even the most reluctant exerciser to take a few more steps. Pedometers are inexpensive and great motivators for many individuals with autism who are usually intrigued with the combination of electronics and numbers. Here are a few ideas for using a pedometer.
1. Take your friend shopping so he can pick out his own pedometer. Get one for yourself while you are at it.
2. Develop a chart – either on paper or on a computer – so your friend can log their steps
every hour or so.
3. Encourage more walking with awards. For example, you can give a star or points for every 100 steps.
4. Most pedometers keep a log with walking history, motivating individuals with autism to continue their exercise program.
5. You can develop a competitive atmosphere and encourage personal interaction by having a contest to see who can log the most steps in an hour or in a day.
5. Help maintain interest – and impact lifetime health – by providing weekly and monthly prizes. You could even crown a Walking Champ on December 31 of each year.
TIP FOR THE DAY. A pedometer is a simple, inexpensive, and rather intruiging way to encourage inactive individuals with autism to get up and moving, impacting their physical health and emotional outlook.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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