Autism Support Group

hi guys, has anyone else noticed a difference in their child after they exercise? My child goes to a dance and football class after school and when i pick him up he is more expressive and talkative. the first time this happened i was surprised. after dance class yesterday we went to the doctor he has never seen before and he actually spoke to her! that has never happened before... just wondering has anyone else made the connection

It's all about the vestibular stimulation. The rocking, spinning, bouncing movements stimulate the vestibular part of the brain. When this part of the brain is stimulated speech and communication can open up. Like putting oil on a squeaky gear. Our occupational therapist suggests 10 minutes of swinging in the vestibular swing or bouncing on the trampoline or spinning in chair before speech therapy or school. The results from the 10 minutes of swinging, spinning or bouncing will last 2 hours. It's also very calming. My son loves his vestibular swing. We have it set up in our loft.

Justin's school is pretty big on getting the kids up and moving to get the muscles going and blood pumping so it gets to the brain.

The other school he was at doesn't do that.

Great observation!