Episode 24: Autism and Movement with Sheena Leedham
In this episode, we sit down with Sheena Leedham, an educator and trainer whose work highlights the power of movement in the autism community. Sheena shares her unexpected journey into this field, emphasizing how physical milestones and skill acquisition play a crucial role in child development.
The conversation explores how exercise and structured training can be adapted to meet the needs of autistic individuals. Sheena explains why creating a supportive environment matters, how integrating choice and motivation can boost engagement, and why observational skills are critical for trainers and parents alike. She also offers practical strategies—like using schedules for predictability—and discusses how movement, like any other skill, requires practice and progression.
Sheena’s insights and resources, including her books, provide valuable guidance for parents and trainers seeking to better support autistic children through movement and exercise.
Subjects covered include:
Sheena’s journey into the autism community
Physical milestones and their role in development
Skill acquisition through movement and exercise
Building supportive environments for success
The importance of choice and motivation in training
Observational skills for trainers and parents
How schedules create structure and predictability
Movement as a practiced, progressive skill
Adapting training techniques to individual needs
Resources for parents and trainers
Links:
🌐 Website: https://mef2cast.com
🛒 Merch: https://mef2cast.printify.me
