As a parent of a child with autism, you know that emotional regulation can be one of the biggest daily challenges. Whether it’s frustration over a change in routine, sensory overload, or difficulty expressing feelings, big emotions can take over fast.
We have a lot of tools we use at Gersh Academy to help our students with emotional regulation, but one we always come back to is movement.
Physical activity is a powerful tool in helping your child feel calmer, more in control, and better able to handle life’s ups and downs. From jumping on a trampoline to practicing yoga, finding the right kind of movement for your child can make a huge difference in their ability to self-regulate.
Why Movement Helps
Ever noticed how a good walk or workout helps clear your mind? That same effect applies to kids on the autism spectrum. Exercise releases feel-good brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve mood. It also gives them a healthy outlet for build-up energy, which can be especially important for those who struggle with impulse control.
Studies have shown that regular physical activity can:
- Reduce anxiety and emotional outbursts
- Help with impulse control
- Support social skills and confidence
- Improve attention and focus
The key? Finding activities your child actually enjoys.
What Kind of Physical Activity Works Best?
Every child is different, but here are a few movement-based activities that have been shown to help kids with autism regulate their emotions:
- Jumping, Swinging, and Spinning
Some kids naturally seek out movement to self-soothe. Jumping on a trampoline, swinging, or spinning can provide a calming sensory input that helps them reset.
- Running, Swimming, and Biking
Aerobic activities help release energy, lower anxiety, and improve focus. If your child loves to run, let them! Swimming is also great because the water provides consistent gentle pressure, which can feel soothing.
- Martial Arts and Yoga
Martial arts teach focus, discipline, and self-control, making them a good fit for kids who struggle with emotional regulation. On the other hand, yoga can help with deep breathing, body awareness, and relaxation.
- Dancing, Obstacle Courses, and Outdoor Play
If your child doesn’t love “exercise”, try turning it into play. Dancing around the living room, running a backyard obstacle course, or playing tag outside can provide the same benefits in a way that feels more fun and natural.
Incorporating Movement into Daily Life
With school and therapies, your child’s schedule is likely overloaded as is. But, you don’t need a strict plan to help your child benefit from movement.
Start by allowing your child to move when they need to. If they begin pacing, rocking, or jumping, encourage it rather than stopping them. These movements are their way of self-regulating, and giving them the space to do so can help prevent frustration from building up.
Making movement a family activity can also be a way to encourage physical activity. A walk after dinner or a game in the backyard to decompress after school provides opportunities for your child to move while spending quality time together.
In moments where your child feels overwhelmed, suggest a quick break to run, jump, or stretch. A few minutes of movement can help release tension and provide a much-needed shift in focus before emotions spiral out of control.
At Gersh Academy, we know that every child has different needs, and we’re here to support them in learning the best ways to navigate their emotions and the world around them. If you’re looking for a school that truly understands your child, we’d love to talk. Let’s work together to help your child feel more confident, capable, and in control.
Resources:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1027799/full
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178124003597