Many of my clients on the spectrum present with heightened levels of anxiety that further impact their ability to engage with the social world. Much research has been done linking exercise and physical activity with reductions in symptoms of anxiety. Often these studies are showing a reduction in self-stimulatory behavior, aggressive responses, and self-harm behaviors in the autism population (in addition to obvious health benefits) .

Idea: Purchase a step-counter/pedometer (something quantitative for you as a parent to measure while also being digital/numerical making it more likely to interest your child). Record on a daily basis the number of steps taken in a given day. Attempt to challenge your child to increase the number of steps each day. Set up an incentive or reward system for significant increases if you are dealing with resistance (ex: 1,000 steps = extra 20 minutes of computer time). It is recommended that we take roughly 10,000 steps a day (I like 15,000). The average American takes about 5,000.

Loosely record your child’s anxious behaviors and see if you notice a reduction. Either way, your child will be getting much needed physical exercise and time out in the community (friend making territory, chance to practice social skills and self-regulation skills in less familiar environments).

Link to step counter on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HJ-151-Pedometer-Aerobic-Activity/dp/B000MN94A2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1329707496&sr=8-6