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Exercise and movement for neurodivergent children and young people
- SEND
- Moving and being active
- Neurodiversity
Exercise is really good for your child or young person's health. It doesn't have to be playing football or a PE class. Exercise can be anything that gets your child or young person moving. It can be dancing along to their favourite song, jumping around, playing a fitness video game or going for a calm walk.
Explore the topics on this page:
Benefits of exercise
Exercise can be especially helpful for neurodivergent children and young people. It can:
- help regulate emotions
- help with focusing
- reduces hyperactivity
- improve mood
- improve self-esteem
- help your child or young person when they are overstimulated or overwhelmed
Avoiding exercise
Some neurodivergent children and young people may avoid exercise completely. This can be for a range of different reasons such as not liking how it makes them feel or feeling embarrassed that they can't do the exercise like other people.
Neurodivergent people can struggle with:
- balance
- being aware of their body (spatial awareness)
- remembering instructions
- coordination
- physical contact or being touched
This can make sports and exercise less fun.
Neurodivergent children and young people may need some extra help to take part in sports or exercises that require skills they struggle with.
The best type of exercise for your child or young person is the one that they enjoy doing. Exercise doesn't have to be limited to team sports or gym exercises. Try looking into different kinds of activities like dancing, swimming, martial arts, running or cycling.
There are family activities that you can do together such as a bug hunting walk, playing a game of 'tag' at the park or a quick walk to school. It can be helpful to get everyone moving without the pressure of an organised activity.
Sensory walks
Sensory walks are walks where you focus on specific senses like hearing, seeing and smelling. They can be a great way to keep your child or young person active. Simple movement can be a powerful tool if your child is feeling anxious, especially for neurodivergent children.
For example, you can help shake off 'before school tensions' by asking your child some questions like:
- What can you see?
- What can you hear?
- What can you smell?
- Can you do some funny movements or walk like a crab?
- Can you stretch your arms up in the air?
- Can you wiggle your fingers?
For example, if your child is worried about going to school, try doing a sensory walk on the way. Read more about sensory walks.
Movement breaks
Movement breaks are short breaks where you move around. They shouldn't be long and they can be subtle. It could be something like taking a cup to a table or going outside for a breath of fresh air.
Movement breaks are great for everyone: adults, young people and children. They help people to focus on and finish tasks. Movement breaks can be done at any time of day.
The best use of a movement break is to do it before your child has lost their focus or is feeling frustrated. This can help stop their mind wandering, losing focus and feelings of frustration. As your child gets older, they will be able to set timers and reminders to know when to get up and move.
Examples of movement breaks:
- high knee lifts
- star jumps
- taking a message to a different classroom or to an office
- using a wobble cushion as they work
- putting exercise bands around two chair legs to kick against whilst they work
- bizzy break
- heavy work exercises
You may want to speak to your child or young person's school to see how they can support your child with regular movement breaks at school.
Last reviewed: 27 November, 2024
