With friends, screens, homework, chores, and after-school activities all competing for your child’s attention, finding ways to motivate them to exercise can be a challenging feat for parents and caregivers, especially those who have children with autism. If this is the case for you, don’t worry.  

 

In this article, we’ll share five important exercises for kids with autism using jumping toys. Why jumping toys? Let’s get into it.

Why Jumping Toys Benefit Kids With Autism

According to the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance, only 24% of 6- to 17-year-olds with autism are exercising for the recommended 60 minutes per day! Jumping toys for kids are a great solution. They’re a fun way for children to move their bodies and engage in physical activity that supports muscle development, balance, and sensory regulation.

 

On top of getting your kids active, jumping toys can also benefit children with autism in the following ways:

• Better sensory stimulation and regulation: Jumping toys encourage physical body movement and balance while helping children process sensory input more effectively.
  
• Strengthened motor skills: Many kid jumping toys, like the Jungle Jumparoo, have handles for children to grasp while engaging the core, legs, and muscles. This can help them improve their strength and endurance.
  
• Improved balance and coordination: The bouncing motion from jumping encourages children to adjust their posture and maintain stability, building their balance and coordination.

Safety Considerations for Using Jumping Toys

Your child’s safety is the most critical consideration of all when it comes to jumping toys — but we also recommend following these tips when picking and enjoying a jumping toy to ensure your child’s well-being:

• Choose the right jumping toy: There are so many kids’ jumping toys out there these days, from pogo sticks and bouncing hopper balls to jump ropes and trampolines. Research reviews and safety information to determine which jumping toy is best for your child. You might be surprised to find out there are some trampolines out there with unique safety designs to lower the risk of injuries. (Hint, hint.)
  

• Supervise jumping activities: Jumping can be a high-risk activity. Supervise these activities by being present with your child or watching them from a close distance if they can perform this activity independently.
  
• Make the environment safe for jumping exercises: Create a secure environment for your child by encouraging them to jump on a soft, flat surface (grass, sand, jumping mat, etc.) clear of any obstacles. You can also teach your child how to properly land on their feet to avoid injury.

5 Exercises for Kids With Autism Using Jumping Toys

Finding creative ways to encourage exercise in your child’s daily routine is an excellent strategy to promote more physical activity. Here are five recommended exercises for kids with autism using jumping toys.

1. Bounce and Count

Encourage your child to count out loud to track how many times they jump. This is a fun way to build coordination while reinforcing basic math skills.

2. Single-Leg Balance Bounce

For older kids with autism, try challenging them to balance on one leg while bouncing lightly on the other on a jumping toy, such as a mini-trampoline. Have them switch legs after a few seconds to move both leg muscle groups.

3. “Follow the Leader” Jump Sequence

You or someone you trust can perform a sequence of jumping exercises for your child to follow as a group jumping activity. This is an excellent exercise for kids with autism, as it helps with memory, coordination, and social skills.

4. Side-to-Side Bounces

Instead of jumping up and down, switch things up by having your child perform their jumping exercises side to side instead. This allows them to engage with their core muscles and improve their balance and agility in the lower body.

5. Jump-and-Grab Activity

To strengthen your child’s hand-eye coordination, try having them reach for soft objects while jumping. For example, blow a few bubbles while they’re jumping on the trampoline to see if they can catch them with their hands.

Tips for Incorporating Jumping Exercises Into Daily Routines

 

Now that you know about the different types of jumping exercises for autism, let’s talk about a few tips for incorporating these into your child’s daily routine.

• Integrate into transition times: Encourage your child to find time in their daily routine to incorporate jumping exercises. For example, they can start the day with a few jumping jacks when they roll out of bed.
  
• Use as part of sensory breaks: Children with autism often feel overwhelmed with too much sensory input. If this is the case for your child, try having them switch to jumping exercises briefly to help them regulate their emotions.
  
• Reinforce exercises with encouragement and rewards: Sometimes, kids need motivation to exercise. Express healthy words of encouragement and look into creating a reward system using the SMART goal method. For example, let’s say you want to set a goal for your child to perform 10 minutes of jumping exercises for 14 days. If they complete this goal, they can pick out a new toy at the store. To track this goal, create a sticker chart for them to add a sticker every time they complete a day of jumping exercises. This allows them to see their progress visually and gives them the extra motivation to work toward their goal.

Jungle Jumparoo: Your Choice for Safety & Fun  

Looking for safe jumping toys for your child? Look no further! At Jungle Jumparoo, we’re committed to transforming playtime by creating safe, fun-filled jumping experiences that inspire active play for kids of all ages. Check out our collections to learn more.

 

FAQ: Autism Jumping Toys 

Do you still have questions? No problem! Read through our FAQ section to learn more about jumping toys for children with autism.

Why are jumping toys beneficial for kids with autism?

Jumping toys offer multiple benefits for children with autism. They can strengthen motor skills, encourage physical movement, improve balance and coordination, and support sensory processing.

How can jumping exercises help with sensory processing?

Jumping activates both vestibular stimulation and proprioceptive input. This means your child can be aware of their body movement while putting pressure on their joints and muscles to calm their nervous system, making it easier for them to improve their focus and reduce their anxiety.

Are jumping toys safe for young children with autism?

Yes, jumping toys are safe for young children with autism, depending on the type of toy. For example, consider a mini trampoline if you have a toddler.

What types of jumping toys are best for kids with autism?

Mini trampolines, hopper balls, jump mats, or sensory cushions are the best toys for kids with autism. 

How often should kids with autism do jumping exercises?

The frequency of how long kids with autism should perform jumping exercises depends on age, sensory preferences, and individual needs. Listen to your child and encourage small, frequent bursts of activity instead of long-winded ones. You can also consult with an occupational therapist if necessary.