Our Son SuperPizzaBoy has a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome. He has not only social issues but issues involving where his body is in space, (“proprioception“) and his vestibular system. You can check the links out for more information because I’m not sure what it all means except that SPB loves to jump on his trampoline and he wore it plumb out. It makes him feel better and he jumps a lot and he jumped on the trampoline so much that it just wore out.
So Sweetie and I had an emergency consult. I was at work, so we agreed that I would stop at Academy on the way home and get a new mat for our trampoline. I mean the frame was good but it is cheaper to buy a new trampoline than it is to get a new mat, new springs, and new spring cover. So that’s what I did.
Son liked the way we were thinking.
He even helped by taking the old springs off. I mean the dude not only wore the mat out, he wore the springs out also!! That kid is a serious trampoline jumper. You see it makes him feel better, it helps him organize his thoughts.
We got the new mat and springs going. He kept asking if it were done yet. “Not yet son, I’m still working on it.”
Of course, you have had heard the old joke, how long does it take Yogi to change a light bulb? All day, that’s how long.
The next day he was giving it a workout though.
He jumps almost every day if the weather is good.
He loves it. Jumping helps him organize his thoughts.
Do I understand it, no, not really, I just know that it works. Sweetie and I will do what it takes to keep the young man jumping for as long as he wants.
I’m sure you understand!
So interesting. The brain is an amazing thing, and it’s pretty fascinating how repetitive physical activity like jumping can help it feel more organized.
I always think that doing sudoku in the morning helps smooth out the wrinkles inside my head, so I do get it.
Well, I see that you have turned into “Alan”, after I’ve been calling you “Yogi” all this time. That answers one question for me!
I love the idea of jumping to organize the mind. I so enjoyed the trampoline when in HS. Your son does a lot of awesome activities. How’s the horse riding going?
I totally get it. Sometimes I drink to organize my thoughts. Maybe I should try the trampoline. It would help me lose weight and possibly stop drinking all together. Wait. That’s just crazy talk.
I had a tramp (as I like to call them) as a kid and LOVED it.
I think it’s wonderful that you’re able and willing to do the things that work for him! Frankly, it does look like a great way to organize ones thoughts — at this stage of the game maybe I should try it, too!!! Hope all of you have a lovely day!
Sylvia
I definitely understand! Your son is an amazing young man and he certainly has some equally amazing parents.
You guys are the greatest!!!
I totally agree – whatever works is definitely the right course to take.
SPB having so much fun makes me smile, too, Yogi. “Whatever works” is my motto.
Sounds like a very smart purchase to me. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome usually (maybe always) have tons of extra energy to burn so this a perfect way to help SPB AND his parents.
Oh, I want one too! Okay, I may not get the same health benefits but it looks fun 🙂
All that jumping has to be great exercise! And if it helps with thought organization, too, so much the better.