Unfortunately, we live in a time when it is much easier for children to reach for a tablet, phone or remote than their running shoes. Gone are the days where our kids left in the morning to return, bloody, battered and exhausted from a day spent entertaining themselves outdoors.

For many children on the autism spectrum, learning how to interact and take part in traditionally based team sports can be a daunting and often impossible task. This makes the team based sports increasingly difficult, but it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a sport out there.

Running. Running could be the solution for many children affected by autism. One group has been helping children on the autism spectrum train, compete and complete a five-mile running race. Since 2012, Achilles International has been providing a physical development program directed towards people with disabilities. Their training program helps children with autism to train for three months, then compete in a mainstream five-mile race. Running and physical activities are not only great for your physical health, but they’re also great for your mental health.

Running has proven to be a fantastic way for children with autism to escape from the pressures of dealing with other people, focusing on tasks and the stress of everyday life. Running provides an avenue of escape, allowing children and young adults to relax and simply focus on reaching their next goal.

Achilles International believe that running and physical exercise can help transform the behavior and lifestyle of children with disabilities across a wide spectrum. Running has shown to improve focus, decreased aggression and disruptiveness, improved peer-to-peer interaction and less repetitive behavior.

If you have been looking for a sport for your child, then running could be just the solution you’ve been searching for!