Can movement serve as therapy for kids on the autism spectrum?
When you’re the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you’re used to your child moving, but often in a manner that may not be in sync with the rest of society. In this special world, there are arm-flappers and toe-dancers and body-rockers, among others.
I have a sprinter.
My son, who is now 14 years old, technically hits some end of the autistic spectrum, with the old classification of Asperger’s syndrome probably being the closest label that could fit my brilliant, quirky young man.
During almost his entire life, my Aspie has sprinted instead of walked. I decided long ago not to mind his need for speed. Something about the movement itself feels good to him, so I let him go.
If there’s one thing you learn as the parent of a child on the spectrum, it’s to cling to hope. You also learn to try everything and anything that might help your kid.