'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism

[Visionary7903]

This thread has been about how people with Autism Spectrum Disorders can do quite well in a rural work setting, for example on farms. Part of that success, no doubt, comes from the regular forced long hours of exercise that farmwork requires of people.

Eric Chessen is an Exercise Physiologist who is the Founder of Autism Fitness (formerly known as Theraplay-ny and Beyond Boundaries Fitness). Chessen has implemented Autism-specific exercise programs into homes and educational programs across the United States.
Here are his top 5 exercises for teenagers with Autism…

…1) Sandbell Squats
Teenagers with autism MUST squat. Squatting correctly both prevents low back pain and strengthens the legs, trunk, and back. In our Autism Fitness programs we do a variety of different squats with the Sandbells. I like switching from holding the Bell at the chest to behind the neck for different weight distribution and to correct form.

2. Double Rope Swings
   Rope swings are fantastic for developing upper body power as well as strength endurance (more important for teenagers with autism than cardiovascular endurance). I love rope swings and even incorporated them into the PAC Profile as an assessment of, among other things, coordination.

3. Overhead Press (with Sandbells, Med balls, Dumbbells, or Thick Rope)
   The Overhead press is important for shoulder strength and stability, and carries over (generalizes) to a great many other skills in daily life. Teenagers with autism often exhibit poor posture with shoulders that ‘roll’ forward. You cannot simply fix this by ‘standing up straight.’

Including overhead presses in fitness programs for teenagers with Autism is a must.

4. Medicine Ball Scoop Throws
   Scoop throws incorporate squatting, upper body power, coordination, reaction, and social interaction/partnering. Many of my teenage athletes with autism learn to squat better doing this throw.

5. Sandbell slams
   I haven’t worked with a teenager on the spectrum yet who hasn’t loved slamming the Sandbells … repeatedly on the floor. This activity promotes, flexibility, power, and can be used in some great partner activities…

(source: The Top 5 Exercises for Teenagers with Autism |)