My name is Kelsey Schmidt, and for those of you who may not know who I am, I’m the Director of Sales, Marketing, and Social Media for both Pivot to Play and Pop Hop and Rock. If you’re unaware, April is Autism Awareness Month. Every year, beginning on April 2nd, those who have or know of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder spread awareness of this neurological and developmental disorder. However, in recent years, there has also been a push for greater acceptance as well as educating others in ways that those with ASD can be included more fully.
At 19 years old, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which was then considered a “stand-alone” diagnosis. However, after the publication of the DSM-5, Asperger’s became part of what is now known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and classified as Level 1 Autism. While I struggle in specific areas as an adult still, I can function like much of my same aged peers most of the time. With all of this being said, my intention isn’t to solely focus on the diagnosis itself. I want to share how play and movement became a vital and intricate part of my journey, even long before a name was put to the experiences I was having.
As a child, I used to have huge tantrums, or what we called “big angry.” I’d become so overstimulated from school and had to manage it for several hours, that when I’d get into the car or house, I would need to physically exert all of the built up emotions and energy. It was terrible, both for myself and my family. Though my parents were still learning how to best support me, they recognized very early on in my development that movement of any kind, whether a sport or playing with neighborhood kids, was one of the most effective strategies to help me manage everything. It was imperative I had a healthy, appropriate and efficient outlet towards which I could direct my intense energy. In fact, it has been shown that all children, but those especially with ASD, greatly benefit from any form of movement. Doing so “releases endorphins and can serve as a healthy outlet for emotional regulation, helping to manage anxiety and promote overall well-being.” (NeuroLaunch)
In addition, playing with my siblings, friends and neighborhood kids allowed me to practice how to socialize and use communication skills. I particularly remember long summer days of playing tag on our block, nights catching fireflies or chilly Autumn days raking leaf piles to jump in. All of these experiences and moments laid the foundation for which I built on heavily in my early 20’s as I was learning how to navigate the social complexities of adult life that ASD only further complicated. According to Dr. Sean Healy, movement and physical activity “can provide a fun, safe setting for interacting with other children. In other words, they can offer excellent opportunities for practicing social skills.”
Lastly, playing and moving as often as I did (which was every day!) boosted my self-confidence. Engaging in a game of tag, riding bikes or kicking around a soccer ball, were activities I could do and found so much enjoyment out of. Even better, when a peer asked if I wanted to join, I felt accepted and capable. That’s a feeling we can all agree is pretty amazing to experience! Studies have shown this to be true as well. When a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder is playing with his or her peers, they receive the message of “ I’m totally capable and can do this!” While it may require some modifications and adaptations, they can do what any other child can.
I hope in sharing a small part of my story, you not only take away how play and movement is genuinely needed and vital for every child, regardless of what they may face, but that the impacts span across their entire lifespan.
Planning for Next Year? Our Curriculum Is READY!
Our goal is to inspire educators with the brain science and logic of moving for improved learning and behavior. Our Curriculum and Playbook are designed to empower teachers with the tools they need to get their students moving to fill the play gap that is keeping kids from mastering everything from self-regulation and self-control to those meaty classroom necessities like holding a book or a pencil, sitting still in a chair, and holding letters still on a page.
Learn more here.
Still Booking Trainings!
Preston is already set to clock in almost 19,000 miles traveling across the country to help educators learn about the brain science and logic of moving for improved learning and behavior. Are you ready to join this tribe? Reach out to Kelsey and let’s get this party started! Kelsey.Schmidt@pivottoplay.com
We have been busy! Did you see these blogs?
Let’s Make Structured Play Sexy Again!
Recess is not the only powerhouse fueling children’s learning. Structured play, also known as P.E. is equally as important and more disregarded, shall we even go as far as to say, unsexy, than recess and unstructured play? The fact is, if we want children to learn in a developmentally appropriate way, we have got to get them moving, in both recess AND PE. Why is PE important? Check out three big reasons here.
How Many Senses Do We Have?
Whether it is the taste of a tart lemon, the feeling of mud between our fingers, or the smell of fresh mint, our brains crave this information to help us operate within our environment. But we have more than just 5 senses. What are they, and how do they help us operate in the world? More importantly, how are they built in movement? Check it out!
What Do We Mean When We Say PHYSICAL Literacy?
But when kids have ample opportunity to move their bodies and practice what their bodies can do, then their brains learn how to use their bodies to perform in school, making school easier and more fun. So, our curriculum focuses on moving for fun. This helps kids learn to move their bodies with confidence while secretly building the strengths, skills, and movement patterns they need for school. Learn about it here.
