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Helping Children With Disabilities Stay Active

Table of Contents


Overview

Like all children, those with disabilities need to be as active as possible.

But children with disabilities are less likely to be physically active than other children. An inactive lifestyle for these children can lead to other problems, including:

Benefits

Studies of children with various disabling diseases and conditions show that being active on a routine basis gives these children:

Barriers

No matter what your child's limitations are, you can find ways to help your child be as active as possible.

It is important for children with disabilities to be active and to get involved in sports or recreation programs if they are able.

If your child is not physically active, it's important to look at the things, or barriers, that are getting in the way. Barriers may include one or more of the following:

Think about the barriers that are keeping your child from being more active. Look for solutions. Talk to your child's doctor to find out what your child can safely do.

Motivation

Some children with disabilities just may not have the desire to be physically active. If that's the case for your child, try these tips:


Credits for Helping Children With Disabilities Stay Active

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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