Regular exercise over several months can reduce anxiety in autistic children, a study has shown.
Researchers confirmed the positive effect on autistic children who underwent a 16-week exercise programme at school.
James Beardwell says exercise has helped him to massively improve his mental health
But the results were not instant. The study found a four-month period was necessary to have a “significant” impact on anxiety.
Children did exercise three days per week
Marie Carey of the South East Technological University in Waterford, Ireland, led the research.
Her team took in 24 children aged between five and 18 with moderate to severe autism.
Pupils took part in the school-based exercise programme three days per week.
Parents and teachers assessed their anxiety levels at the start, after eight weeks and then finally when the 16-week period elapsed.
Teachers reported “significant decreases” in anxiety after 16 weeks. However, parents suggested they did not see a difference.
Longer programme needed for anxiety reduction
Mental health nurse Carey’s study said the findings show the 16-week programme can reduce anxiety in school.
It also found that the four-month programme, as opposed to the eight-week one, may be necessary to have a “significant” impact.
Previous research has shown that up to eight in ten people on the autism spectrum struggle with anxiety.
Exercise classes help adult’s mental health
James Beardwell, 38, from Witham in Essex, has autism and learning difficulties and has battled depression and anxiety.
But Beardwell says playing football for Thurrock Mencap in the Essex Soccability League has helped him with his anxiety and depression.
He had to give up playing football after picking up a foot injury in March 2019.
But now Beardwell enjoys swimming, aqua aerobics, group cycling and spinning classes at the Benton Hall Golf Club.
He takes part in the classes around four times per week.
Beardwell said all the activities have “really helped” him to “massively” improve his mental health.
Carey published the exercise study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Related:
- Autistic children are facing a mental health crisis during lockdown
- Autism diagnosis can change lives – for the better
Published: 25 May 2022
