Supporting Neurodiverse Youth Through Movement and Physical Activity
by Antonia Llull – “Tonina” | View Bio
Antonia "Tonina" Llull, MOT, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist and advocate with over 25 years of experience serving children, adolescents, and young adults with diverse abilities and needs. She is recognized for her expertise in sensory integration, child development, and the use of adaptive play to foster skill development, engagement, creativity, and growth. As the founder of MPowerMe, LLC, Tonina provides direct clinical services, helping children and families build essential developmental skills and overcome challenges through tailored medical and play-based strategies.
Tonina also leads Play To Do, LLC where she collaborates with leaders in creative industries focused on children’s growth and learning, shaping products and environments that prioritize accessibility. This blend of hands-on clinical expertise and consulting positions her as a bridge between therapeutic practice and child-centered innovation.
Throughout her career, Tonina has directed a multidisciplinary pediatric rehabilitation clinic and a school for neurodivergent students, held leadership roles in hospital settings, and led research initiatives for children's educational and developmental products. She has also contributed to the development of STEAM products, educational programs, and curricula to support diverse learning needs.
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Exercise is more than physical fitness; it is a holistic approach to well-being. As parents, caregivers, teachers, or afterschool program leaders, you play a crucial role in fostering neurodivergent students’ potential. By adapting physical activities and sports, you create inclusive spaces where sensory experiences, motor skills, and social connections thrive.
Let us celebrate movement and the power of play as a bridge that leads to growth and joy for every child.
Understanding the connection between sensory experiences, motor development, and social-emotional learning is powerful. Neurodivergent children — those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences — thrive when movement experiences are tailored to their unique needs. Intentional physical activities in afterschool programs can enhance their well-being, foster social connections, and promote cognitive growth.
Benefits of Physical Exercise for Neurodiverse Youth
Physical exercise offers many benefits beyond physical health:
Mood Enhancement
Exercise triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, essential for mood regulation and emotional stability. These natural mood boosters help reduce anxiety and depression, improving emotional regulation for neurodiverse children. Physical activity also helps lower stress by reducing cortisol levels, making it easier for them to manage emotional challenges.
Cognitive Boost
Movement-based activities like dance, yoga, and sports improve focus, attention, and brain plasticity, which strengthens neural connections crucial for learning.
Social Engagement
Group activities provide neurodiverse children with structured social interactions where they can build teamwork skills and friendships. Inclusive sports programs offer a safe space for neurodivergent youth to develop social bonds in a supportive environment.
Self-Expression and Regulation Through Movement
Physical activity provides an outlet for pent-up energy and emotions. Activities like trampolining, climbing, and obstacle courses allow neurodiverse youth to move freely and recharge in a safe, stimulating space. Yoga and mindful movement enhance body awareness, promoting self-regulation and a connection between mind and body. Even just 20 minutes of physical activity a day can reduce fight-or-flight responses, contributing to emotional stability.
Supporting Sensory-Motor Integration
Physical activities are crucial for sensory-motor integration—the coordination of sensory input and motor responses. Here are a few practical ways to support this for all children:
- Obstacle Courses: Create courses that engage multiple senses using scooters, hula hoops, ramps, and parachutes. Encourage peer collaboration to boost both sensory integration and social skills.
- Yoga and Mindfulness: Teach balance poses and breathing exercises like box breathing to calm the nervous system and improve concentration.
- Creative Movement: Fun activities like balloon polo or life-sized Chutes and Ladders engage sensory stimulation while promoting collaboration.
Everyday Movement Beyond the Gym
Physical activity is not limited to structured sports. Everyday activities can be just as powerful for neurodiverse youth:
- Cooking: Following recipes helps with executive functioning, while using kitchen tools develops fine motor and coordination skills.
- Gardening: Digging and planting promote sensory engagement and connection with nature, supporting executive functioning.
- Dance: Expressive dance encourages self-expression while building body awareness and confidence.
Helping Neurodivergent Youth Thrive in Group and Team Games
Neurodivergent children may face challenges in groups or team games, feeling overwhelmed or stressed, even when they are physically capable. After-school educators can adapt physical activities to create inclusive opportunities for neurodiverse youth:
- Open Communication: Maintain ongoing dialogue with families, and school day educators, to understand each child’s needs, even if a diagnosis has not been disclosed.
- Structured Group Activities: Team sports with clear, short roles, such as relay races, provide opportunities for social engagement without sensory overload.
- Social Connection: Use peer partnerships and buddy systems during activities to foster connection, empathy, and teamwork.
- Celebrate Strengths: Recognize and celebrate the unique abilities that neurodivergent children bring, including their progress, effort, and resilience.
Adaptive Lessons and Supportive Environments
To fully support neurodiverse children in sports and physical activities, programs should offer adaptive lessons and create inclusive environments:
- Sensory Diets: Personalized sensory input, known as sensory diets, can help regulate the nervous system. Collaborating with students, families, and occupational therapists ensures activities meet their specific needs.
- Environmental Modifications: Create sensory-friendly spaces with minimal visual and auditory distractions. Provide relaxation stations and alternative seating options, like gliding benches or ball chairs, to allow neurodivergent children to participate comfortably, with breaks as needed.