You may already be well aware that your child is not as physically agile as he may wish to be. It is common for children with Asperger's and autism to experience motor-control challenges. It may be very difficult for some to make those brain-body connections necessary to physically produce a movement already envisioned in the mind. This can be very frustrating for all, especially the child who wants to succeed. It can also lead to a child being humiliated and publicly singled out as “uncoordinated.” Many school gym classes are shifting away from picking sides for games, which is a blessing for the children who are consistently picked last.

Physically Frustrated?

If your child has experienced public embarrassment due to her inability to physically achieve on par with her same-age peers, it may be tempting for her not to engage in any form of physical activity at all. Instead, she may disengage from any such opportunities in favor of spending more time in isolation. This type of sedentary pattern is not healthy for any child and can lead to self-image issues, worries about body type, and weight concerns.

As a parent you may recognize the benefits that regular physical activity can offer your child, but you may feel torn. Some parents go to extremes in attempting to mold their unathletic child into a model of conformity. This kind of pressure to achieve in order to “please” can only widen the distance between child and parent when the child cannot live up to unrealistic expectations. You may have already witnessed, or read about, Little League or soccer parents who create such hostility and anxiety for their children that the sport is no longer fun but a fierce, adult-level competition that is unpleasant for all.

In partnership with your child, decide upon some physicalrecreation activities that may be pleasing for your child to try. The child with Asperger's Syndrome will enjoy greatest success with athletic activities that are self-contained and noncompetitive. Such activities do not necessarily need to occur without partners and in isolation. It simply means there are no winners or losers and no undue pressure to perform.

Activities That Work

To start, build upon the movements your child already does well, even if it's simply walking. Being in or near water is extremely important to the vast majority of kids with Asperger's. The buoyancy of the water, the overall pressure it offers, and its solitude are enormously attractive to many. Would your child's health and motor coordination benefit from learning how to swim?

Martial arts also hold a special appeal for many children with Asperger's. Martial arts have a structured regimen with levels of achievement that promote self-discipline. Learning the moves in martial arts involves lots of visual repetition and incremental learning — something your child may already thrive upon. It also promotes making slow, deliberate, and methodical brain-body connections in order to be conscious of how all parts of a participant's body move and relate to one another. Tai chi is also effective in accomplishing similar goals. Your child can also proceed at her own pace and experience success as she moves up each level.

Activities similar to the discipline and coordination offered by martial arts include yoga, gymnastics, ballet, and dance. Other self-contained, noncompetitive physical activities include: