Trampolines 'help autistic children'
14/04/2010 Trampolines have been recommended as a way to help autistic children deal with the effects of the condition.
Shara Davis, a specialist at the Alight Paediatric Therapy Clinic in Texas, told the Herald-Zeitung that equipment such as trampolines and swings can improve a number of symptoms.
"So much of the stuff with the autistic kids we do, we try to work on social skills, impatience, impulsive behaviour ...You can see the [movement] helps to calm them down," Ms Davis explained.
Elaine Pereira, the parent of a six-year-old autistic boy who attends the centre, told the news provider that after the therapy he is "more balanced" and can move between different activities better.
Last week, Autism Speaks, an organisation which works on raising awareness of the condition and providing support to families dealing with autism, spoke out in favour of outdoor play activities.
Mark Roithmayr, president of the body, said that outdoor play activities help children's physical and emotional development.
Shara Davis, a specialist at the Alight Paediatric Therapy Clinic in Texas, told the Herald-Zeitung that equipment such as trampolines and swings can improve a number of symptoms.
"So much of the stuff with the autistic kids we do, we try to work on social skills, impatience, impulsive behaviour ...You can see the [movement] helps to calm them down," Ms Davis explained.
Elaine Pereira, the parent of a six-year-old autistic boy who attends the centre, told the news provider that after the therapy he is "more balanced" and can move between different activities better.
Last week, Autism Speaks, an organisation which works on raising awareness of the condition and providing support to families dealing with autism, spoke out in favour of outdoor play activities.
Mark Roithmayr, president of the body, said that outdoor play activities help children's physical and emotional development.
