Swing sets are a treasured joy for people of all ages. 

Beyond being a fun activity, swinging back and forth on a swing has numerous health benefits.  

If you or a loved one on the Autism Spectrum are looking for ways to develop skills enjoyably, a swing set could be your answer.  

In this article, we will draw from our expertise as a swing set manufacturer to explore both the advantages and considerations of swing sets for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

We’ll also share resources to help you find the best swing set for your family.   

5 Pros of Swing Sets for ASD  

Let’s start with the benefits of a swing set for a child (and adults) on the Autism Spectrum:  

1. Sensory Regulation/Processing  

Swinging on a swing set can be soothing due to the rhythmic and repetitive movement of the motion.   

It can be a form of vestibular input, which is the “sensation of any change in position, direction or movement of the head,” according to Harkla. This can help regulate the sensory system.   

Vestibular stimulation, sensory integration and proprioception are key neurological benefits of swinging.   

2. Motor Skill Improvement   

In addition to sensory regulation, motor skills can also be fine-tuned by swinging.  

There’s a level of balance, coordination and body awareness that is required to swing properly.  

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Your child can gradually improve these fine motor skills with a swing set.  

If the swing set has multiple features, such as a climbing or monkey bar feature, they can work in tandem with swinging to further motor skill development.  

3. Numerous Physical Benefits  

While swinging on a swing isn’t as physically demanding as other childhood activities like trampoline jumping, the motion of swinging can help improve:  

• Muscle development  

• Balance 

• Posture 

• Hand-eye coordination 

Swinging on a swing can also burn calories.  

According to Adventure World Playsets, swinging on a swing for 30 minutes can burn around 100 calories.   

It is equivalent to 22 minutes of walking or 13 minutes of swimming, according to the article.  

4. Mental Health Boost  

While there are physical benefits of swinging, the mental health benefits can be even more substantial.   

In times of stress, a swing set can be a safe space for your child to relax and have fun.  

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It provides individuals on the Autism Spectrum with a structured, calming activity that can become a regular part of their daily routine.

5. Can Enhance Social Skills  

Swing sets are a great place for friends and family to hang out.  

Large outdoor swing sets come with different components, which means multiple kids can play simultaneously.  

Here’s an example of gobaplay’s Ultimate Adventure Swing Set Package, which can hold up to four kids at a time:  

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Swing sets can provide a relaxed environment for children to naturally develop their social skills while interacting with others.

They also help teach important skills like patience (waiting for their turn) and effective communication with peers.

3 Cons of Swing Sets for ASD  

While swing sets offer notable benefits for children on the Autism Spectrum, here are some potential considerations to keep in mind before purchasing:

1. Safety Concerns 

Like any playground equipment, swing sets come with safety concerns and require proper training to use.  

Swings sets are generally safe, but you need a good-quality set and strict adherence to rules for optimal safety.  

Some of these rules include:   

• Supervise your child while swinging. 

• Never exceed the swing set’s weight limit. 

• Limit the number of people on the swing set to your manufacturer’s recommendations (this should be stated in the product manual). 

• Wear full-foot enclosing shoes. 

• Don’t stand or jump on swings. 

• Avoid the equipment if it’s rainy outside.   

Check out Are Metal Swing Sets Safe? (The Truth) for more on swing set safety.  

2. Potential Limited Lifespan  

Some kids will use a swing set constantly.   

Others might use it for a short period of time, resulting in limited use. 

To gauge your child’s interest in swinging, consider going to a local park a few times before buying a backyard swing set.   

You can also visit a sensory gym like We Rock the Spectrum which has all kinds of play equipment your child can try out, including swings and trampolines.  

Photo courtesy of WZDX.  

3. Not a Solution for Everybody 

Swing sets are not a universal solution to help with ASD.   

Some children on the Autism Spectrum might not like the swinging motion of a swing set. 

As mentioned in the last section, try a swing set before purchasing if possible.  

If you don’t live near a park or sensory gym, consider asking a neighbor with a swing set to test your child’s interest in swinging.  

You can also see if a local backyard store will let you test one out before purchasing. 

There are also indoor or tree swing options if an outdoor set feels too overwhelming (more on this in the next section).  

How to Find the Best Swing Sets/Swings for ASD  

If you’ve assessed the pros and cons and are ready to start looking for your ideal swing set, here are some resources to get you started:  

• Swing options: Check out Autism Products’ range of Swings for indoor and tree swings. They have tons of swings to choose from for kids and adults, including this Doorway Swing Kit Combo that comes with a Belt Swing and Sensory Swing:  

Photo courtesy of Autism Products. 

• Swing sets: Check out our list of the Best Swing Set Brands to get a feel for the major players in different swing set categories (Metal, Wooden, Plastic).  

You can also browse through our gobaplay Swing Sets to see if a high-quality metal swing set is right for your family.  

We offer various single swing sets and larger swing sets with multiple components.   

We also sell an assortment of swings, including a Hanging Round Tent Swing that can serve as the perfect hangout spot – in a tree or as part of a swing set:  

Check out our gobaplay Products today and see which model fits best in your backyard!