Autism & Trampolines

There has been developing evidence which implies that people with autism and other related conditions can benefit widely from the use of a trampoline on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, trampolines have numerous health benefits for individuals with special needs.

Jumping on the trampoline helps people with autism to relax and hence reduce the increase of stress. Numerous families include the use of a trampoline in the home to help their children or relatives with special needs unwind after a long day at school or other engagements. The vibrations created by the body when jumping is a desired effect due to the imbalances they experience in the sensory systems. There are different ways of counteracting the imbalances and some of these methods include running, repetitive rocking, swaying, swinging and fidgeting which is common among people with special needs. Trampolines of different sizes are an excellent tool in satisfying the needs of a person with autism.

 

Upon the use of a trampoline, the sensory cravings have been observed to reduce by a significant amount. All the energy in the individual is focused on the trampoline instead of destructive activities which could harm them. Positive progress has been noted in special needs people who use the trampoline regularly. This includes improvement of physical coordination and balance, positive behavior, impulse control and even less problems in behavior.

 

For families that have special needs individuals, it is not only a way to help their child improve their sensory system but also a tool to help the child gain better motor skills through the games played while on the trampoline. The compulsory use of a safety net gives the care giver peace of mind knowing the child is safe with minimal risks of injury.

 

Often children with autism have problems with their vestibular and proprioceptive sensory systems. The vestibular sense is crucial in the movement of the body and functions through the stimulation of the inner ear as the position of the head changes. The proprioceptive sense is the perception of movement in the body as communicated through the ligaments, joints and muscles. People with normal sensory processes undergo the two without any problems whereas people with autism have difficulty achieving this. This explains why some children with autism do not have a normal gait since they do not understand the input received when the body comes into contact with the floor and other movements.

 

Occupational therapists and parents rely on several treatments for this condition and one involves the use of a trampoline. The bouncing offers repetitive stimulation to the sensory system and consequently allows reception of input that had not been received well or interpreted. Many autistic schools are equipped with trampolines for this purpose. In addition to the physical benefits, the trampoline can be included in lessons by teachers to improve the alertness of the children. For example, they can learn to count through the number of bounces they make on the trampoline. This is of course with proper supervision and numerous activities like sitting, jumping or even as a reward for participating and good behavior. The rhythmic movements helps the students improve their sensory systems.

 

Outdoor trampolines are suitable for older children with autism and other sensory disorders. Safety precautions must be taken such as shock-absorbing frame pads which cover the springs and frame and a barrier to prevent the child from jumping and falling off the trampolines.  Place the trampoline in an open space like the yard away from objects like trees and concrete structures which may cause injury. If it is possible the trampoline should be put on a flat surface or a pit dug for stability. As a safety measure, the child should not jump alone but should have adult supervision to keep the child safe.

 

Own a Trampoline in Kenya by ordering a Hudora German quality Trampoline from Thrifty Enterprises Limited. This will surely be the best investment you will have made for your family in your lifetime.

 

Reviews from some autistic children parents around the world

Suzzy here,

We won this trampoline in a Facebook contest and we are overjoyed! My almost 5 year old son Nathan is unable to speak and has severe autism. My daughter Veronica is 8 years old and was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. we have considered getting a trampoline in the past to help with the children’s therapies, muscle strength, physical activity and for the sake of having fun. However, we were worried they would get hurt which made us hesitant to buy a trampoline. I saw the contest and after reading all about it, I decided to give it a try even if we didn’t win. Ever since we got the trampoline the children have become more active such that they do not watch television at night. It is amazing! This is the best gift to my children and we got without paying a single cent. The children enjoy their trampoline and I will always be grateful to the organizers. I could not ask for more for my children! My son and daughter really enjoy playing on the trampoline.

 

Hi,

We have two children; Aspergers is 10 years old and NT who is 7 years old who both enjoy playing on the trampoline. Our 10 year old son has been using the trampoline for about 18 months and his coordination has improved tremendously. He has even become physically confident on the trampoline and uses it almost every day for an hour with his NT sister. He does not like sports but it has helped keep him active.

They both enjoy the trampoline and it is a great thing for them. On Christmas day of 2007 DS said it was the best Christmas ever and started using it immediately.

Cheers,

 

Hi,

I love bouncing on my trampoline. I do it every day and even get lost time while am on it. I find the rebounding relaxing and the jumping is soothing to my body so I think it could be related to AS. Many people do it as a sporting activity which is why the effectiveness depends on the individual.

We have had a trampoline for a long time and my Dds all loved it. Ensure your trampoline has a guard all round to make it safer.

Jackie

 

Anonymous,

I am thrilled we got a trampoline. We are on out third one which is 14ft with a surround and it is used all day and in all weathers! DS2 was making snow angels on it last week.

He really enjoys being on the trampoline and is much happier. He is also calm when he bounces on the trampoline. A garden trampoline is a necessity and the best gift for DS (5).

Thank you!

Anonymous,

I bought an inexpensive 8ft second hand from e-bay. It was in very good condition. Ds1 (8) Aspergers and Ds2 (3) are on it all the time. One of the best things we have ever gotten.

 

Dolly here,

My kids have both been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum but have separate calming and regulatory mechanisms. For D, its drawing and other art activities. She draws pictures with a lot of details and this works for her well. For T, the trampoline is his haven. He can be out there every day and in any weather if he could. It takes different lengths of time to calm him down but it always works.

Cheers!

 

germany

HUDORA trampolines have been tested and certified under EU legislation and fully complies with German standards of TUV and GS for health and safety.

To order call: +254722724893

Email: info@thriftyent.com, thrifty.ent@gmx.com

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