Learn to fight. Fight to Learn: Benefits of Martial Arts in ASD

Martial Arts has joined the list of physical activities that have therapeutic benefits for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Studies to prove the benefits of martial arts are beginning to surface one after another with positive results. And going by the findings, it won’t be long before various types of martial arts are suggested as part of rehabilitation and intervention strategies for children with autism by experts in the field.

ASD is a developmental disorder resulting in social, communication, physical, and behavioural challenges in children and adults. Stereotyped behaviours to self-stimulate, also known as stimming, are common in individuals with ASD. These behaviours are repetitive and manifest in the form of compulsions, echolalia, and physical movements such as hand flapping and body rocking.1

When individuals with ASD find it challenging to communicate their needs or have difficulty making sense of their environment, they may express themselves through behaviours that can be challenging to manage2 such as self-harm, aggression, and noncompliance.1 In addition to this, individuals with ASD also battle with underdeveloped motor skills and delays that restrict them from being able to use their bodies effectively to perform simple tasks.3?

A combination of different types of therapies such as behavioural therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are frequently used as intervention strategies for individuals with ASD to support their needs. These therapies are aimed at developing skills that help people with ASD navigate and interact with their environments better.1

Physical therapies in ASD are generally recommended to improve fine motor and gross motor coordination. Movement therapy, hippotherapy, aquatic therapy, and play therapy are all commonly suggested by specialists in the field to improve the physical functions of individuals with ASD. Dance, yoga, and sports have all been proven to benefit with regard to their physical challenges.4?

However, recent research has shown that the benefits of physical therapies go beyond improving the physical functions of individuals with ASD. Findings revealed that physical activities such as martial arts and hippotherapy in particular had a significant impact on multiple behavioural and cognitive areas that affect individuals with ASD.1 According to studies marital arts training specifically could be beneficial in developing executive function in adults and children with ASD.5? ???

Executive functions (EFs) enable an individual to consider a situation from all perspectives before making decisions. EFs are largely divided into three categories: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control.6 Poor EF in individuals with ASD affects their communication, impulse control, cognitive flexibility, attention, and verbal reasoning, but are malleable10 and can be developed with the right practices.7

Traditional martial arts have proven to be one of the most beneficial activities for developing EF in individuals with ASD. The room for constant growth makes martial arts an ideal method for fostering EF.6 Some of the findings based on studies and research are listed below:? ?

• Wushu routines have a positive impact on the behaviour of children with autism. A study reported an increase of 20.7% in perception ability, 5.9% in social abilities, and 19.1% in language abilities.8?
• Interventions based on both internal and external styles of martial arts have a positive influence on ASD-related symptoms such as social interaction/communication skills, self-regulation, memory, postural control, and cognitive function.9 ?
• According to studies, Taekwondo and MMA were one of the most effective activities for improving children’s EFs.6
• MMA training10 has been shown to lower negative social behaviours, improve executive functioning and increase positive social behaviours in children with ASD.?
• Teaching Karate techniques have shown to reduce communication difficulties significantly in children with ASD.12?

Along with the physical, behavioural and cognitive benefits, Martial arts may also add a sense of safety for children with ASD. We often forget how vulnerable and unsafe this population of individuals feels on a daily basis. Feeling strong and having the skills to protect themselves may add to their feeling of safety and might even help reduce their anxieties.?

The repetitive movements of some forms of martial arts may even add to their sense of comfort and give their movements a purpose. Martial arts training may not only help channel their energy meaningfully but might also help them express their feelings in a suitable environment making it an option worth exploring for children with ASD.?????

References

1. Bremer, E., Crozier, M., & Lloyd, M. (2016, January 28). A systematic review of the behavioural outcomes following exercise ... Sage Journals. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361315616002?
2. Aggressive behaviour: Autistic children and teenagers. Raising Children Network. (2020, November 18). Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/behaviour/common-concerns/aggressive-behaviour-asd#:~:text=Autistic%20children%20might%20behave%20aggressively,are%20very%20anxious%20and%20stressed?
3. Atun-Einy, O., Lotan, M., Harel, Y., Shavit, E., Burstein, S., & Kempner, G. (2013). Physical therapy for young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders–clinical frameworks model in an Israeli setting. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 1. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2013.00019?
4. Rudy, L. J. (2020, September 7). Using Physical Therapy Autism Treatment. Verywell Health. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/physical-therapy-as-a-treatment-for-autism-260052?
5. Zehr, E. P. (2017, July 17). Martial Arts and executive function on the Autism Spectrum. Psychology Today. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/black-belt-brain/201907/martial-arts-and-executive-function-the-autism-spectrum?
6. Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64(1), 135–168. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750?
7. Jack, C. (2021, August 18). 7 executive functioning challenges for people with autism. Psychology Today. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202108/7-executive-functioning-challenges-people-autism?
8. Li, L., Li, H., Zhao, Z., & Xu, S. (2022). Comprehensive intervention and effect of martial arts routines on children with autism. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9350841?
9. Zou, L., Xiao, Z., Wang, H., Wang, C., Hu, X.-Q., & Shu, Y. (2017, July 1). Martial Arts for health benefits in children and youth with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review: Semantic scholar. Archives of Budo. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Martial-arts-for-health-benefits-in-children-and-a-Zou-Xiao/ead6b68bf9798bc16f64a1cec0ef3ec631310781?
10. Phung, J. N., & Goldberg, W. A. (2019). Promoting executive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder through mixed martial arts training. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(9), 3669–3684. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04072-3?
11. Phung, J. N., & Goldberg, W. A. (2021). Mixed Martial Arts training improves social skills and lessens problem behaviors in boys with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101758?
12. Bahrami, F., Movahedi, A., Marandi, S. M., & Sorensen, C. (2015). The effect of karate techniques training on communication deficit of children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(3), 978–986. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2643-y