Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children TPP 221: The Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Health for Kids with ADHD, Autism, and More
Aug 10, 2020
Gabriel Villarreal, a fitness instructor and ADHD counselor, dives into how exercise serves as 'medicine' for kids with ADHD and autism. He shares engaging strategies to motivate children to be active, highlighting the profound impact of fitness on mental health and focus. The discussion covers personalized workout structures, empowering both kids and trainers, and emphasizes the importance of family involvement in exercise. Villarreal's insights bridge the gap between physical activity and well-being, offering hope and practical advice for parents.
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Graduate School Running Insight
- Gabriel Villarreal shares how running a half marathon during graduate school helped him handle stress better than his peers.
- This experience led him to explore the connection between exercise, nutrition, and mental health more deeply.
Exercise as ADHD Medicine
- Exercise triggers dopamine and norepinephrine production, mimicking ADHD medications' effects.
- This creates a 30 to 90 minute window of improved focus and motivation after exercise.
Girls' Different Exercise Threshold
- Girls with ADHD might require lower heart rate levels to gain exercise benefits, possibly leading to underdiagnosis.
- Their easier attainment of dopamine boost could mask ADHD symptoms compared to boys.
