Bouncing can have positive benefits for children with autism. Trampoline therapy provides fun and a sense of well-being while assisting with motion feedback. It also encourages vestibular system input and provides a social benefit by allowing an activity that multiple children can participate in at one time. There are excellent indoor trampolines for autism available on the market.

Benefits of Trampoline Therapy 

Autism trampoline therapy, also called rebound therapy, can help kids with autism in several ways. Sometimes, they have difficulty expressing their stress and anxiety. Jumping can help them release big feelings like that. The act of jumping on a trampoline can also create sensations that soothe and calm autistic children. 

It can be challenging to get children with autism to participate in most physical activities, especially those requiring extreme mobility, coordination, or balance. Jumping gives them their daily dose of safe physical activity without stressing them out. Rebound therapy can be used as often as your child might need throughout the day.

Autism-Friendly Exercise 

Kiddos with autism can have a difficult time enjoying physical activities. But the repetitive tasks they can fall into, such as electronics, can mean weight issues, poor muscle coordination and tone, and isolation. Kids with autism need to get moving. An indoor trampoline for autism can provide a source of cardio for them and develop muscle tone. 

Improves Motor Skills 

Rebound therapy can improve motor skills, and the bouncing motion can help with proprioceptive and vestibular input. A child with autism might have trouble with balance or movement sensations. Jumping on a trampoline can help with this by giving them a fun activity that works on coordination and controlling their balance. 

Builds Sensory Skills 

Physical movement often helps kids with autism with brain processes. It helps organize incoming information and cope with stress and emotions. Some common stimming behaviors can be less socially acceptable or even slightly dangerous. 

The repetitive movement of jumping on a trampoline for an autistic child can give the self-stimulatory sensation that they need and can be a substitute for other repetitive behaviors. Trampoline therapy for autism allows a public environment where children with autism can feel included without having to stem their natural behaviors.

Provides Safe Social Interaction 

Trampolines for autism can help provide safe social interaction for kids. It’s an excellent source of parallel play, which is often easier for them to engage in because they can play side by side with other children without having to engage in interactions that can make them uncomfortable. 

A trampoline for autism can also be something fun that siblings, friends, or neighbors can do together, which helps to add a more social component. Therapy trampolines can even provide a chance for language development and speech therapy for children with autism.

How Trampoline Therapy Is Being Used 

More and more, therapy trampolines are being used in many situations. Teachers are using them in classrooms, parents are using them indoors and outdoors, therapy centers are offering them, etc. People are seeing what a difference it can make for children with different needs, and they are incorporating it and seeing positive results. 

Trampoline Therapy for ADHD and More 

It’s not just kids with autism who can benefit from trampoline therapy. Kids with other behavioral or emotional neurodevelopmental disorders with similar symptoms can also benefit. Conditions like ADHD can also be improved with rebounding.

Best Trampolines for Autism 

We have some ideas for you if you’re looking for a good trampoline for your autistic child. From Jungle Jumparoos to bounce houses to space hoppers, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each. 

Jungle Jumparoo 

A Jungle Jumparoo is an excellent option for an indoor trampoline for autism. It’s low to the ground, so even if anyone falls off, it doesn’t have a high chance of injury. The bars are perfect for small hands to hold onto, which makes it safe and supportive. Multiple kids can jump simultaneously, so there are plenty of opportunities for social interaction and creative play. It doesn’t take up much space and can be used indoors or outdoors. It’s fun for the whole family!

Mini Trampoline With Railing 

Mini trampolines can also have railings, so they’re pretty safe. They’re really only meant for one person at a time, so unless you have more than one, they’re less social. You can use them inside or outside, and many mini trampolines are easy to store. 

Small Trampoline With Net 

A small trampoline with a net can only be used outdoors, so if the weather is bad, it isn’t much good. It allows more people to use it simultaneously, allowing for parallel play. You can’t store it easily, and because it’s higher off the ground, there’s a possibility of injury.

Trampoline Parks 

Trampoline parks are always an option. You don’t have to worry about choosing just one option or managing the upkeep. There are many options in one place, so everyone can find a way to have fun. It can get expensive, however, especially if you’re paying for multiple people. The bright lights, sounds, and crowds could also overwhelm your child with autism. 

Bounce House 

Bounce houses remind many of us of childhood birthday parties. You can rent a bounce house for your kiddos to play on outside. It allows multiple children to play on it, so there’s an opportunity for social interaction. Renting a bounce house can get expensive, though, and it requires electricity to keep it full of air. The motor can take a while to fill the house up, which can discourage children with the wait, and the sound of the motor can frustrate or overwhelm some. 

Space Hopper 

Space hoppers are the ultimate budget option. They’re easy to fill up and store. It’s difficult to predict where they’ll go if your children aren’t careful, so they’re best used outdoors. Only one kid can play on each one, so they’re solo toys, but they can still be fun.

Your Turn

As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to indoor trampolines for autism. Nobody can tell you what’s going to be best for your kiddo, but it’s definitely worth it to do some trial and error until you find the right one for you and your family. You’ll be amazed at the difference trampoline therapy can make.