Jeanette Garcia, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences, is leading studies to better understand the behavior of children with autism and help change their lives.
“People tend to underestimate kids with autism,” she says. “They can do everything a typically developing kid can do, they might just learn it differently or communicate it differently.”
Creating a space for each child to tap into their potential is exactly what Garcia does in her 12-week programs in partnership with local schools and other organizations.
Each program is unique and shaped to be as effective as possible within the school or organization. These diverse programs adhere to one goal: provide children who have disabilities with the opportunity to master various physical and nutritional skills. Garcia is dedicated to ensuring the longevity of these programs. For her, the programs are stepping stones that enable long-lasting, positive physical and nutritional health behaviors.
One of Garcia’s programs involves teaching children judo. The program motivates children with autism spectrum disorder to stretch their physical and social skills.
“Their confidence improves,” says Garcia, “and the social interaction makes them happier.”
Another program assessed health behaviors through the use of a Fitbit activity-tracker device. This particular program was very successful in providing measurable data while also encouraging children to exercise regularly. She found the Fitbit devices were very popular and acted as positive reinforcements for physical-health routines even after the program was complete.
A more recent program gives high school students access to cooking classes. This program emphasizes the importance of teaching older students how to be independent while also aiding in basic nutrition education. Healthy habits are essential to physical and nutritional wellness, Garcia says.
