It gets them (and you) out of the house We all know how easy it is to just stay inside and let our child play on the computer or watch television. Bicycling breaks the routine. K.J. is very much into a rigid schedule, but all I have to do is mention that we are going biking, and K.J. will stop whatever he is doing, and head to the kitchen to get our water bottles ready. I try to vary our route and trails, so we don't get into a routine for our rides either.
Physical activity Both from the exercise standpoint, and the physical therapy standpoint, bicycling is good for your child. I've been told that the repetitive pedaling motion is great. K.J. is a healthy looking 14-year-old, and I like to think that bicycling is a major contributor to that
Interaction with parents and other family members Bicycling is a family activity. It helps your autistic child feel like they are part of the family, and will also help typical siblings understand what "family" means. A long quiet ride is a great way to get some "quality time", just you and your child.
Interaction with the community and nature You're not biking in a vacuum. You child gets a chance to interact with your community and with nature (especially with trail rides). they will learn to interact with their favorite vendors (the local ice cream stand, for instance) and other trail users. Bicycling on a trail allows them to get closer to nature. K.J. like to count the various creatures we encounter (deer, rabbits, ducks, and even the occasional snake).
Bicycling stresses cooperation and communication This is particularly true of a tandem bike, but it also applies to other configurations. Climbing a hill or accelerating to pass others is most easily done when you are working together!
Sensory integration Learning to deal with a variety of stimuli, particularly in public situations.
Bicycling is fun! Duh! Almost forgot this one...
1 comment:
Hey Paul... I've enjoyed reading your posts on your experience. I second all of the points you make above... and would emphasize the "cooperation and communication." Riding with my 9-year old, semi-verbal son has provided other opportunities in our life to communication.
When we first started riding a hear ago, he did "running dismounts" from the tandem if he saw a playground or whatever, an unsafe practice I had to break him of. He now says "stop" when he wants to stop, and I do my best to honor that request at every situation (given time to at least get off a busy road before doing so). He says "bicycle" when he wants to go again, nudging me toward the tandem.
And yes, it's fun! He loves it.
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