I am a few kilometers north of Tiberias near the promenade, running and walking in the company of Yinon Dahan, a teenager on the autism spectrum, who covers a distance of 5 kilometers without much difficulty. His feet make the characteristic monotonous sound with every landing on the road. Training with Yinon is challenging because it requires a high level of personal responsibility on one hand, and on the other, ensuring that the training is enjoyable and productive.
Movement and running significantly help Yinon improve his quality of life. Physical activity enhances his fitness, strengthens his muscles, improves balance, and increases cognitive ability and concentration. Moreover, our joint training provides him with a sense of achievement and satisfaction, enabling him to better cope with daily challenges.
During the training, something wonderful happens in both our souls, bringing us home calmer and more relaxed. The interaction and human connection built during the training also strengthen social feelings and the bond between us. It’s not just physical activity, but also a deep social and emotional experience.
In the last training session, when Yinon returned completely soaked in sweat from the humidity and challenging exercise, his mother, Odelia, welcomed him with joy and care. She immediately showered him with hugs and kisses and made sure he had plenty of water and a cold shower. “Exercising with you does so much good,” she said to me with a broad smile on her face. “Come again tomorrow.”
Training with Yinon not only improves physical fitness but also provides both of us with a sense of achievement, satisfaction, and calm. It is a unique experience that strengthens the human connection and shows how sports can be a valuable therapeutic tool, especially for teenagers on the autism spectrum.
