ExerSHINE Kids POWER Bootcamp Program

Participation in group sports and extracurricular activities is a rite of passage for children. However, there are many pediatric populations—including, but not limited to, neurodiverse children—who may have difficulty participating in more traditional group activities and leisure occupations. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity and exercise helps to increase endurance, protect against further injury, and enhance emotional and social well-being in children with disabilities (Bloemen et al., 2017; Fernandez et al., 2018). Physical activity participation also provides an avenue for neurodiverse children to build friendships, express creativity, develop a self-identity, and foster a sense of belonging (Duronjic & Valkova, 2010; Taylor et al., 2024).