Fitness Program for Children with Autism

The MUSC Wellness Center strongly focuses on the development of an individual’s overall well-being, helping to find a balance of physical, mental, and social health. “Obviously there’s a need for overweight and obesity intervention, but it reaches far beyond that. There are little pockets of special population groups that would be incredibly well served by a nutrition and exercise intervention program,” said Janis Newton, director of the MUSC Wellness Center. Newton stated that the center’s main objective is to provide proper exercise and nutrition guidelines to people coping with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, so as to foster behavioral changes and to bridge the gap between health and fitness among these affected groups. “We consult all the experts and then make our formula for this lifestyle change fit into whatever participants’ needs are. Those with ASD have special needs we have to pay attention to and design the program around,” she said.