The Autism Fitness Handbook by Stephen M. Shore

Author:Stephen M. Shore
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

ANTHONY

I began working with Anthony when he was 13 years old; he is now 16. Anthony loves Chinese food—white rice, sesame chicken, and pot stickers to be exact. He also loves comic books. Anthony is diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and is verbal.

When we first began exercising, I would pick up a comic book and use this as his motivator. During our sessions, he would remind me and say, “You know I’m working for the comic book.” “Yes, I know, and you are doing an excellent job exercising and getting stronger,” I often replied. I would then remind him that exercise can help his drawing abilities and allow him to be more creative. I did this because not only is it true but he also shared with me that he wanted to be a comic book artist when he was older.

I know he, or many children, may not digest everything that I say, but I wanted him to know how important exercise is for a healthy lifestyle. I have no doubt that Anthony can become a comic book artist or achieve any goal he sets for himself!

Over the last three years Anthony has matured physically and emotionally. He used to stand at my shoulder but now he is almost taller than I am. His strength has improved on all levels of the Five Components and his confidence, much like his height, is through the roof.

Comic book characters still play a role in our weekly exercise sessions but I don’t have to spend the money on comics any more, even though I would.

We were working out not long ago and he was performing a Dumbbell Chest Press. His posture was not how I wanted it, so I said to him, “Show me your Superman chest.” He first smiled and then rolled his shoulders back and slightly stuck out his chest. I didn’t have to say anything else or physically prompt him in any way. Superman did all the work for me.

Just recently Dad came into the basement to see his progress and was thrilled to see the improvements. He continued to motivate by using four simple words, “I’m proud of you.”

Three years earlier when Anthony began exercising, his dad, mom, and I continuously encouraged him to exercise independently or with his dad. He would have nothing of it. But just that day, he said to his dad, “We can exercise together.”

ANTHONY’S EXERCISE ROUTINES

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