Introduction
The February 2023 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, left a path of destruction and displacement. While the immediate focus centered on ensuring basic needs like shelter, food, and safety, a recent study published in June 2024 highlights the often-overlooked challenge of maintaining physical activity routines for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the aftermath of such a disaster. The research, titled “Barriers to physical activity in individuals with autism spectrum disorders after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Türkiye,” explores the complex interplay between pre-existing obstacles to physical activity for individuals with ASD and the additional difficulties created by the earthquake.
Pre-Earthquake Routine: Building on the Benefits of Physical Activity
The study underscores the importance of physical activity for individuals with ASD. Parents reported established routines before the earthquake, recognizing the positive impact on their children’s well-being. Physical activity can improve mood, reduce stress, and provide a healthy outlet for managing sensory sensitivities. These routines likely provided a sense of structure and predictability, which can be especially important for individuals with ASD.
The Earthquake Strikes: A Cascade of Barriers
The earthquake significantly disrupted these established routines. The study identifies several key barriers that emerged in the aftermath of the disaster:
- Disrupted Environments: Damaged or destroyed facilities like parks, playgrounds, and gyms limited access to safe and familiar spaces for physical activity. Finding alternative locations for exercise became a challenge, especially for individuals with ASD who may thrive on routine and struggle with unfamiliar environments.
- Shifting Priorities: Understandably, the focus in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake shifted towards securing basic needs like shelter, food, and safety. Physical activity may have been understandably placed on the back burner during this critical time.
- Heightened Anxiety and Sensory Sensitivities: The chaotic and unpredictable environment post-earthquake could exacerbate anxiety and sensory sensitivities in individuals with ASD. Loud noises, unfamiliar sights, and disruptions in daily routines can make individuals with ASD less willing or able to engage in physical activity.
The Downside of Inactivity: Potential Consequences
The study also explores the potential negative consequences of reduced physical activity for individuals with ASD. These may include:
- Increased Repetitive Behaviors: Reduced physical outlets could lead to an increase in self-stimulatory behaviors, a common characteristic of ASD. These behaviors can be a way for individuals with ASD to cope with stress and anxiety, and a decrease in physical activity may lead to an increase in these behaviors.
- Deterioration in Mental and Physical Health: Lack of physical activity can contribute to feelings of isolation, depression, and even physical health problems such as weight gain and decreased muscle tone.
Moving Forward: Strategies for Supporting Physical Activity
The research underscores the importance of providing support to individuals with ASD and their families during and after natural disasters. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
- Identifying Safe Spaces for Activity: Creating temporary or alternative spaces for physical activity, even if they are not ideal, can be crucial. Schools, community centers, or even open spaces within displacement camps can be utilized for basic exercises.
- Sensory-Friendly Activities: Tailoring physical activities to individual sensory needs can help encourage participation. Activities that focus on movement in a predictable and controlled way, with minimal noise or overwhelming stimuli, may be more appealing.
- Mental Health Support: Addressing the heightened anxiety and stress associated with disasters can make individuals with ASD more receptive to physical activity. Providing access to mental health professionals or counselors experienced in working with ASD can be crucial.
- Community and Familiarity: When possible, involving familiar people or caregivers in physical activity routines can provide a sense of comfort and security for individuals with ASD.
By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD after natural disasters, parents, caregivers, and communities can work together to implement supportive measures. This can help individuals with ASD maintain some level of physical activity routine, even in the face of immense challenges.
Source:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/20473869.2024.2369742