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The Benefits of Climbing for Children with Autism and ADHD

Climbing is not only a fun and physically enriching activity but also one that can have profound benefits for children with autism and ADHD. For children with neurodevelopmental disorders, climbing can be a transformative experience, helping them to develop crucial physical and cognitive skills while providing an outlet for their energy and emotions.

One of the most apparent benefits of climbing for children with autism and ADHD is the sensory input it provides. Climbing engages the proprioceptive and vestibular sensory systems, which can help children with sensory processing difficulties to regulate their sensory input. The physical exertion involved in climbing also helps release pent-up energy and improve focus, making it an effective outlet for children with ADHD.

Climbing also offers opportunities for sensory integration, where children can learn to process and respond to sensory information in a controlled environment. This can be particularly beneficial for children with autism, who may struggle with sensory overload or under responsiveness. The repetitive and rhythmic movements involved in climbing can have a calming effect, promoting self-regulation and reducing anxiety.

Furthermore, climbing nurtures essential motor skills such as coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. For children with developmental challenges, these skills can be more difficult to acquire, making climbing an invaluable activity for their physical and cognitive development. As they navigate the climbing wall, children can enhance their problem-solving abilities, gain a sense of achievement, and build confidence in their abilities.

In addition, climbing fosters social interaction and communication skills. Clip n’ Climb Liverpool offers group sessions or collaborative climbing activities, providing children with the opportunity to engage with their peers and develop teamwork and communication skills in a supportive environment.

Overall, climbing offers a holistic approach to addressing the unique needs of children with autism and ADHD. By providing sensory input, promoting motor skill development, and nurturing social interactions, climbing can be a powerful tool for supporting the growth and well-being of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It offers a safe and enjoyable way for children to explore and challenge their physical and cognitive abilities while building confidence and resilience.

In conclusion, climbing has the potential to positively impact the lives of children with autism and ADHD, offering a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits. As awareness of the therapeutic benefits of climbing continues to grow, it is important to recognize its value as an inclusive and empowering activity for children of all abilities.

Everyone is always welcome to ALL of our sessions, however we understand that some people find it hard to be in busy and loud environments. With this in mind, at Clip ‘n Climb Liverpool, we are limiting the number of places available on our weekday 4pm sessions (during term time). The centre is usually quieter at this time, and we turn the music down, making this a great session to join for those who may struggle with sensory overload.

Sessions run 4pm-5.15pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays

If you’re interested in a session at one of our other centres, please contact us.

Clip ‘n Climb Liverpool Bookings…

Eight weeks ago I was idly checking my social media when a friends post in our running group caught my eye.
‘I’m injured, does anyone want my Race Across Scotland place?’ As expected no one snatched up his offer as running 225 miles over Scotlands Southern Upland Way in under 100 hours appealed!
Funnily enough though a few people mentioned my name…
Whilst big epic running challenges are my thing, I felt with only six weeks notice and a lack of big training days, I wasn’t quite ready for such suffer fest.
I also had the slight complication that I had a 100 mile race two weeks before that one!

To cut a long story short I accepted the place, I only ran 40 miles of the 100 and arrived at Portpatrick on Friday the evening before the big race.

On Saturday 6am 163 of us set off heading East to push our bodies and minds to their limits.
As the miles clicked away we ate plenty and slept little but pushed on regardless.
Day 1, day 2, day 3 were a blur and eventually day 4 arrived.
Everyone was totally spent but with the finish line close (40+ miles) we needed to crack on and complete this epic journey.
Unfortunately many people had had to drop out along the course but 63 competitors pushed on.
After running for 85 hours and sleeping for less than 5 hours I eventually hit a pain barrier that tried to thwart my progress.
Blisters on four toes, the base of one foot and around both ankles brought me to a hobble/wobble!
I had a final nine miles to the finish and NOTHING was going to stop me. While I walked, hobbled, tripped and jogged, a few hardier runners passed me but we all had the same goal in mind.

I’m pleased to say that I crossed the finish line after 227 miles and 89 hours and raised an awesome £2100+ for Mind Charity (the JustGiving page is still open for donations https://bit.ly/DavesRAS24)

I had a good friend Dave Jones help me along the way with nutrition (pot noodles), kit (sweaty clothes) and encouragement (move it…). Without his tremendous support the outcome would not have been the same.

I’ve received so much positive support via emails, social media and personally that I can’t thank my supporters enough.

My years of climbing have taught me many things, but one of the most important things is ‘Stay Positive’.

Hope to see you at the climbing wall soon,

Dave Douglas