There is a plethora of research that has documented the importance of physical activity and wellness interventions specific to the neurodivergent population. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies that included 763 young adults with ASD indicated that physical activity interventions improved the participants’ physical fitness, motor skills, psychological functioning, and reporting of their quality of life (Shahane, V. & Srinivasan, S.M.; 2024). Research has also indicated that this population is more at risk for not maintaining a healthy diet and for not participating in organized sports or recreation of any kind. It has been noted that there are many barriers for this population in gaining access to the kind of preventative interventions to which we seek to expose them (Shameem. S. & Harrington, M. 2024). Relevant to this project, research has indicated that physical activity levels for adults with ASD, so crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being, significantly and consistently drop as individuals with ASD enter adulthood (Tomaszewksi & Savage & Hume, 2022).
In response to the need for exercise and wellness programs for the neurodivergent community, Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), one of the largest non-profit organizations in Westchester County, NY has launched, with the Shames JCC on the Hudson in Tarrytown, NY, a wellness/fitness program for the neurodivergent community funded by the Butler Foundation. This innovative approach integrates individualized fitness and cooking classes, fostering physical well-being, life skills development, and community engagement for ASD individuals and others with diverse needs. These skills are beneficial to facilitate independence and boost confidence.
This wellness initiative was launched partially in response to observations in WJCS groups with young adults with I/DD who felt that life during high school was much better than after graduation, particularly because of a loss of access to the school gymnasium where they were able to exercise and were accepted as participants and known as community members. They had free access to school-based gyms as early as 7 am as well as during after-school hours. This was lost after graduation. Community alternatives were financially costly, and they did not accept their differences.
The participants, all of whom are clients in the WJCS outpatient division, attend this 12-session program at the JCC-Shames site once per week for 2 hours and 45 minutes. They begin with a fitness class with individualized and group activities and then move on to a cooking class where they work together to create a healthy lunch that they prepare and eat together.
The Director of Supportive Services at the Shames JCC and the Director of Outpatient Services for the Developmentally Disabled support the direct service providers, including a certified personal and group exercise trainer who holds a Special Strong certification. The culinary program is facilitated by a local chef who is assisted by the Program Manager at the JCC. The WJCS Program Coordinator and Peer Coach respond to participants’ needs and provide motivation and encouragement throughout each session.
Fitness classes are designed to accommodate various sensory sensitivities and motor skill levels, ensuring participants feel comfortable to a degree that is enjoyable and empowering for them. Participants are also supported when they want to take a break, which adds to the emotional safety component of the experience. The group exercise instructor employs evidence-based techniques to enhance physical activity, coordination, and overall wellness while fostering social connections between the participants. As the group became acclimated, participants spontaneously helped each other out with exercises and activities.
In the cooking classes, participants are given choices in terms of what foods they want to engage in and what they might want to avoid due to sensory issues. The food preparation activities serve as both a nutritional education platform and a life skills training opportunity. Participants engage in hands-on culinary experiences that emphasize meal preparation, kitchen safety, and balanced eating habits. In a supportive and safe environment, participants explore new foods beyond their comfort zone while having the option to modify recipes to exclude certain ingredients if desired (e.g., pizza or tacos). Participants leave with the recipe that was used for that day. At the end of the 12-week session, members will be given a cookbook that includes all the meals they have prepared together.
Throughout all the activities, participants interact with each other in exercises, food preparation, and meal sharing. As a result, the program has been able to strike a balance between being highly individualized and community building.
In addition to the physical and social benefits of the fitness and wellness program, we have observed unexpected changes in the lives of participants. For one individual, this was his first structured activity since high school graduation, and it motivated him to adjust his sleeping pattern so that it “went back to normal.” Another participant noted that he is feeling more comfortable leaving his own town and going to other places. For the last few years, he has been living within a restricted geographical radius, and this program has pushed him beyond that zone. He also observes that there might be other activities that he can engage in that are not necessarily in his zip code.
This program is a testament to the power of collaboration. When organizations work together, we can create lasting, meaningful changes for individuals with disabilities, opening doors to greater independence and self-empowerment.
Learn more about Westchester Jewish Community Services at www.wjcs.com/. Find out more about the Shames JCC on the Hudson at www.shamesjcc.org/.
Kenn Mann, PsyD, is Program Director of WJCS Outpatient Services for People with Developmental Disabilities, Nicholas Primavera, MS, MBA, is Program Coordinator of WJCS Shelanu/Supper Club /Wellness Incentive Program, and Annie Bridson is Director of Supportive Services at the Shames JCC on the Hudson.
References
Shahane, V., Kilyk, A., & Srinivasan, S. M. (2024). Effects of physical activity and exercise-based interventions in young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Autism, 28(2), 276-300
Shameem, S., Luft, M., Harrington, M. et al. Relationship Between Obesity and Intellectual/Developmental Disability in an Ohio Telepsychiatry Clinic: A Retrospective Review. J Autism Dev Disord (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06432-0
Tomaszewski, B., Savage, M. N., & Hume, K. (2022). Examining physical activity and quality of life in adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 26(4), 10
