What We Tried
Initially, we took Sam to tennis. Seemed reasonable – movement, coordination, maybe some social contacts too.
It didn't work.
Later we went weekly to gymnastics and active play groups. Lots of kids, lots of action, lots of movement.
Too loud. Too chaotic. Too unpredictable.
We tried inline skating. That didn't quite work either.
The traditional sports offerings that work for many children just didn't fit Sam.
Too many stimuli. Too many people. Too many unpredictable situations.
What Works: The Trampoline
What Sam absolutely loves is jumping on the trampoline. For hours.
It's repetitive, predictable, and simultaneously intense. He can completely wear himself out there without anyone else being involved.
No rules that change. No teammates who react unpredictably. No coaches giving instructions.
Just Sam, the trampoline, and movement.
That works.
The Living Room Obstacle Course Show
Additionally, Sam acts out shows he's watched during rest time – with full physical commitment.
He runs, jumps, and does gymnastics through the living room, over the couch, and back again.
To outsiders, it might look chaotic. For Sam, it's a form of processing and exercise at the same time.
He moves while reenacting the stories. He processes impressions while jumping.
This is his way of combining both – and it works perfectly for him.
Why Movement Is So Important
In the end, I have to say: physical activity is incredibly important for wearing him out.
When Sam doesn't get enough movement, we notice immediately. He becomes more restless, more irritable, more tense.
Movement helps him reduce stress, process impressions, and regulate his body.
It doesn't have to be the traditional sports club. It doesn't have to be soccer or gymnastics.
It just has to work – for that particular child.
For Sam, it's the trampoline and the living room obstacle course. And that's enough.
What the Science Says
Movement and sports have demonstrably positive effects for autistic children and children with ADHD on:
- Stress regulation and emotional stability
- Attention and concentration ability
- Sleep quality
- Self-regulation and impulse control
- Sensory processing
Studies show that especially repetitive forms of movement like trampolining or swimming work well for autistic children because they:
- are predictable
- work without social complexity
- provide intense sensory stimulation
- can be self-regulated in dosage
It's important that the form of movement fits the child – not the other way around. Forcing or overwhelming in group settings can be counterproductive.
Sources (Selection):
Srinivasan et al. (2014) – Physical Activity in Autism
Gapin et al. (2011) – Physical Activity and ADHD
Bremer et al. (2016) – Exercise and Sensory Processing
Pan (2010) – Motor Proficiency and Physical Activity
What We've Learned
Sports don't have to follow a fixed pattern.
Sometimes the backyard trampoline is worth more than any soccer league.
Sometimes the couch obstacle course show after a TV episode is exactly what the child needs.
It's not about meeting societal expectations. It's about the child moving – in their own way.