Supporting Children with Autism

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and experts now estimate that one in 31 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder.

To help parents better understand how to support children on the spectrum, Alexander Lopez, J.D., OT/L, associate professor of occupational therapy, shares practical guidance and tips, including how exercise can improve motor function (muscle coordination) and cognitive performance.

Children with special needs often have few opportunities to exercise and develop the foundational skills needed for mainstream activities. For example, learning how to swing a baseball bat can advance coordination, balance, attention, and planning. These essential skills can then be transferred to most daily activities.

Lopez, a licensed occupational therapist, has developed targeted athletic programs designed to enable a child’s brain to process sensory information, supporting structural and functional brain changes.

“The brain and body are exceptionally malleable, and occupational therapy interventions that use sports and exercise can improve brain performance and help children develop strategies to minimize or control the effects of unpleasant or confusing sensory information,” says Lopez, who is also the founder of the nonprofit gym Inclusive Sports and Fitness, Inc., which recently opened a location on the Long Island campus.

In addition to increased physical abilities, children in Lopez’s exercise-based program gain lasting friendships and confidence, benefits that spill over into nearly all aspects of their lives. Families report improved outcomes at home and school, including enhanced emotional, behavioral, and academic performance.

Of course, the lessons and experiences children gain outside the gym are also important. Lopez urges parents to present a united front, including providing their child with consistent messages, enforcing rules and boundaries, and encouraging their child to reach their full, individual potential.

“Despite having certain developmental challenges, a child with autism is not solely defined by their condition,” Lopez explains. “That child is still a whole person with their own abilities, potential, and strengths. With supportive resources, nurturing parenting, and targeted therapies, many children on the autism spectrum develop greater independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life. But the foundation for this success begins at home. When parents provide consistent structure and use positive reinforcement, they create an environment where their child can build skills, feel successful, and thrive.”

Lopez also emphasizes the importance of setting expectations, sticking to daily routines as early as possible, structured schedules, and visual checklists for activities like tooth brushing and getting dressed, which can help children become more self-reliant over time. By using the same foundational strategies with consistency, structure, and positive reinforcement, parents can help foster self-reliance, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment that grows with the child.