ASD 1 in 40 Australians, which is roughly around 662,500 Australian individuals. Statistics are according to the research of Autism Spectrum Australia (2024). ASD is a lifelong developmental disorder. It impacts motor coordination, social interaction, and sensory processing.
Speech and occupational therapy can benefit people with autism. But there’s another treatment often underused which is exercise physiology. Exercise physiologists for autism can help improve physical health, motor functions, and emotional well-being.
Research shows that structured physical activity programs can enhance balance, strength, and social interaction in people with ASD. In Australia, the NDIS acknowledges the value of exercise physiology. They have NDIS funding that helps participants build functional capacity and independence. Check out NDIS Price Guidelines 2025 so you’ll learn what you need to know before booking a therapy under the NDIS plan.
A qualified exercise physiologist for autism can design personalised exercise programs. Exercise physiologists for autism help with motor skills, sensory integration, and behavior regulation. You can access all of these through NDIS-funded sessions, home visits, or clinic-based programs.
Our Sydney exercise physiologist for autism will share the top 6 therapy techniques to help ASD individuals improve their quality of life.
1. Sensory Integration Therapy Through Exercise
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder can experience sensory insensitivity. They will not be able to interpret and respond to sensory stimuli. Our exercise physiologists for autism will use sensory integration therapy. They will combine this with physical activities.
Our Sydney exercise physiologists will offer weighted exercises, such as resistance bands or a medicine ball. These exercises can provide deep pressure input that improves body awareness and regulation. We’re created an article about, “Fun and Effective Workouts for Kids & Adults with Down Syndrome“. You can read it next as we provide step by step procedure on how to do the resistance bands and medicine ball. Our exercise physiologists for autism can also offer slow, rhythmic movements. These include movements like rocking or swaying. This simple movements can help reduce sensory overload and promote relaxation.
For individuals with high sensory sensitivities, physiotherapy home visits can be particularly effective. Physio home visits provide a safe and comfortable space for exercises. You can focus better without outside distractions. Studies show that early intervention and personalized sensory strategies can greatly enhance motor skills and emotional control in children with ASD.
2. Motor Planning and Coordination Training
Motor planning is the ability to conceive, organize, and execute movement. These are easy for normal people, but it is hard for ASD individuals. Difficulty in motor planning affects their daily functioning and physical activity participation. In Australia, motor coordination difficulties are common for people diagnosed with autism. Research indicates that up to 80% of children with ASD experience motor deficits. They had problems with poor balance, coordination, and motor planning.
Our exercise physiologist for autism can use targeted therapy techniques. Our exercise physiologists will offer balance exercises. These can be standing on one leg and walking on uneven surfaces. These exercises can help with postural stability. People with ASD often have weaker stability than their neurotypical peers. Another exercise is hand-eye coordination drills. This can be catching/throwing balls or obstacle courses. These exercises can enhance motor control. Studies show significant improvements in coordination after structured interventions. Our Sydney exercise physiologist for autism can also provide sequential movement tasks. This can be yoga or dance routines. It can help strengthen moto planning skills. Studies suggest that rhythmic activities can improve sequencing abilities in autistic individuals.
These strategies support motor skill development. It also boosted physical activity for autistic individuals. This is important because only 22% of Australian children with disabilities meet daily exercise guidelines.
3. Strength and Conditioning Programs
Building muscle strength is crucial for autistic individuals. It’s important for improving posture, movement efficiency, and endurance in people with autism. Research indicates that personalised exercise programs can significantly enhance physical and functional abilities. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, 2018) reports that about 41% of children with autism also have physical disabilities or motor coordination issues. This shows a need for customized strength and conditioning programs.
Our qualified exercise physiologist for autism can incorporate evidence-based approaches. Our exercise physiologist in Sydney can provide bodyweight exercises. These may be push-ups, lunges, or squats. These can be used to build foundational strength and motor control. They can also offer resistance band training for low-impact, safe strength development. This exercise is especially helpful for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Our exercise physiologist for autism can offer modified weight training. Autistic individuals can use light dumbbells or resistance machines. This can help improve muscle endurance and functional independence.
A 2020 study by Sowa & Meulenbroek showed that structured strength training improved motor skills, social engagement, and behavior regulation in autistic people. Additionally, NDIS-registered exercise physiology programs often include these interventions. These help with daily living skills and improve long-term health outcomes.
4. Aquatic Therapy for Autism
Aquatic therapy can highly benefit individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Water based therapy can promote motor skill development while providing calming sensory input. The unique properties of water create a supportive environment for movement and relaxation.
Our exercise physiologist for autism uses aquatic therapy because it reduces stress on joints and muscles. It helps make movement easier for autistic people with difficulties in motor coordination. Aquatic therapy offers gentle, even sensory stimulation. It also enhances body awareness and alleviates the anxiety of people with autism. Kicking, floating, and water games promote exercise in a relaxed, enjoyable environment.
Studies indicate that aquatic therapy is gaining popularity as a viable treatment for ASD children in Australia. According to a 2020 study, 62% of Australian children with ASD have delayed motor skills. This is an indication that interventions are needed to help their physical development. A pilot program in Queensland showed that 75% of participants improved their coordination. They also had fewer sensory sensitivities after 10 weeks of water therapy.
5. Yoga and Mindfulness Practices
Yoga can be highly beneficial for autistic individuals. Our autism exercise physiologist utilises yoga to enhance flexibility, coordination, and relaxation. Controlled yoga programs have been shown through research to assist individuals with ASD considerably. It improves motor skills, alleviates anxiety, and enhances emotional regulation.
In Australia, individuals diagnosed with ASD underscores the imperative of accessible therapy interventions. Study found that children with ASD improved in social communication after yoga sessions. They also showed less hyperactivity.
Simple, repetitive movements are a primary element of a yoga-based exercise program for ASD. These may improve motor learning and body awareness. Another key component is deep breathing which can reduce stress and anxiety. Guided relaxation from an exercise physiologist for autism can also be helpful for regulating emotions and reducing sensory overload.
Adding yoga to therapy can offer a low-cost and non-invasive way to manage ASD challenges in Australia.
6. Functional Play and Movement-Based Learning
Our exercise physiologist for autism uses playing as therapy. Playing promotes movement in a fun and organized manner. This helps both physical and mental growth of autistic people. Study indicates that being active during early childhood aids youngsters with their motor skills. Being active can improve coordination and social interaction of autistic individuals. Only 18% of children aged 5–12 reach the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day in Australia. It stresses the importance of interactive movement-based interventions.
Our exercise physiologist for autism can incorporate structured play to enhance development. Games like hopscotch, Simon Says, or animal walks. These games can improve balance, agility, and motor skills of people with ASD. Research indicates that active play enables children to learn improved fundamental movement skills. Play that is interactive such as obstacle courses or scavenger hunts can be beneficial. Such games encourage problem-solving, coordination, and collaboration. A 2022 study indicated that structured play enabled 65% of Australian preschool children to become more physically literate.
Rhythmic activities enhance brain function, memory, and social interaction. Music-based movement programs benefit 70% of children with developmental delays. This helps them manage their emotions better.
Exercise physiologist for autism can use play in therapy. This approach helps improve physical activity levels. It also supports the overall development of children.
Choose the Right Exercise Physiologist for Autism
ASD individuals in Sydney need to select the right exercise physiologist for autism. Sydney exercise physiologist helps autistic individuals with improving their quality of life.
Here are some key points to consider when choosing an exercise physiologist for autism.
Relevant Qualifications & Experience
Look for an accredited exercise physiologist in Sydney. They should be certified by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). You should find an exercise physiologist with ASD-specific intervention experience. Personalised exercise programs can significantly improve social and behavioural outcomes in autistic children.
NDIS Exercise Physiology Services
Choose a provider registered with the NDIS if you have NDIS funding. More than 500,000 Australians are part of the NDIS, based on the NDIS Quarterly Report, 2024. Exercise physiology is a funded support in the Capacity Building category.
Check Reviews & Testimonials
Look for feedback on Google Business Profile, social media, or the provider’s website. 87% of Australians read online reviews before choosing a healthcare provider. Positive testimonials from other families with ASD can help gauge effectiveness and rapport. You can also engage in forum communities like quora or reddit.
Flexible Service Options
Many families gain from mobile exercise physiologists or home visits. Familiar spaces can boost engagement. A 2021 study showed that home-based programs helped children with developmental disabilities stick to their routines better.
Personalised Exercise for Autistic Individuals
The right exercise program does more than improve fitness. It can transform how autistic individuals experience the world. Exercise physiologists use customized movement strategies. They help build physical confidence, manage sensory needs, and develop lifelong skills. These benefits go beyond just the workout session.
At Sydney Exercise Medicine, we understand that every individual’s needs are unique. Our accredited exercise physiologist combine evidence-based techniques with compassionate support to create programs that:
- Respect sensory preferences
- Develop motor skills naturally
- Celebrate each achievement, big or small
We help clients find joy in movement. This can be through NDIS-funded sessions or private consultations. We focus on what works best for each individual’s needs.Discover what exercise might be able to do for you or a loved one with ASD. Contact our Sydney Exercise Medicine team to discuss how we can tailor a program to support growth, health and independence.