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Life can be challenging for kids with autism. Now imagine what it’s like for boys like Archie, a 14-year-old boy who has both autism and ADHD. The BBC reports that Archie was having such a hard time, he even got expelled from school when he was just five years old. And then he found boxing, and his life has been positively transformed forever.
Boxing for the win
What comes to mind when you think of boxing? Perhaps it is a bulky and muscular person in the ring with another equally big person, both with big padded boxing gloves on, ready to fight. Interestingly enough, boxing is not always about fighting, the Lucky Punch Boxing website explains, providing information about boxing for people with special needs, like Archie.
Boxing can be more about exercising and letting energy out in a fun way, and using the boxing techniques to help manage their symptoms. Boxing gives kids confidence, helps people with autism work on their reaction time and even helps them achieve better sleep.
The club Archie goes to, The Fort Boxing Club, does exactly that for him. He’s been attending the club three times a week and, according to their Facebook page, even helped the club raise funds in a recent campaign. Archie has been loving boxing. And at the end of the day, who doesn’t enjoy letting off some steam and punching a heavy bag?
Autism and physical activity
Some of the classic struggles for people with autism, according to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, are social challenges, repetitive behavior, sensory issues and difficulty with communication.
According to the Autism Speaks platform, one of the things that helps and positively benefits both children and adults with autism is exercise. Physical activity can have an excellent impact on their behavior, especially when it comes to their repetitive and disruptive behavior. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Archie is so into boxing.
According to the BBC, Archie had a very hard time communicating as a young child, and couldn't sit still. Boxing not only gives him physical activity and the benefits that come with that. It also gives him structure and is a really therapeutic activity for him. Another special thing about Archie’s relationship with boxing is the club he works out in. Daniel Bailey, the club’s owner, said that Archie feels like part of a family there. Here is to hoping he keeps rolling with the punches and enjoying the sport he found that is perfect for him. He deserves it.
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