Pushup position requires you to rest your palms on the floor shoulder width apart, and in line with your neck. Place your feet together and bend your toes so that they are pushing you forward. Keep your back and legs stiff and straight. Push up from the floor so that your arms are perfectly perpendicular to the ground. It's best to do pushups on a gym mat or carpeted area. You can use your left or right hand, since you'll be alternating the hand you have on the ball as you continue the exercise. The ball should be located just to the outside of, or just beneath, the shoulder of whatever hand you choose to place on the ball. For instance, if you're placing your right hand on the ball, the ball should be located just to the right of your right shoulder. If placing your left hand on the ball, it should be located just to the left of your left shoulder. The arm corresponding to the hand you have on the ball will be exercised through a larger range of motion than your other arm. The arm that is not touching the ball should be at about a 90 angle. Lift the hand of that arm up and across your body to rest on the ball. Move slowly to ensure the ball doesn't roll suddenly. You will probably need to adjust the position of the hand that is already on the ball to make room for your other hand. As you bring the hand that is not on the ball up and across your body, shift the position of the hand that is on the ball so that it rests just to the side of center. When both hands are on the ball, your thumbs should be on the topmost spot and your fingers should be splayed out around the sides of the ball. Now, leaning both hands on the medicine ball, you need to move the opposite hand (the 1 that was on the ball to begin with) down to the mat, while keeping the other hand balanced on the ball. For instance, assume you started with your right hand on the ball, and have moved your left hand over to the ball, and are now leaning against the ball with both arms extended. Your next move is to carefully take your right hand off the ball and shift your left hand to the top-center of the ball to maintain balance. Using the prior example -- moving your left hand onto the ball, then moving your right hand off the ball -- place your right hand about shoulder width away from the ball. Your position should mirror the position you were in when your left hand was on the mat and the right hand was on the ball. Gently lower yourself down so that your right arm bends at about a 90 angle. Repeat for as many reps as you like.

Summary: Get into pushup position. Place 1 hand on the medicine ball. Push up and onto the ball. Bring the other hand down. Lower yourself down and repeat.

If the cause of distress seems to be emotional (not sensory), then a relaxation exercise may help them calm down enough to talk about it. If they say yes to a relaxation exercise, try helping them through one of these: Sensory grounding: Have them name 5 things they can see right now, 4 things they can touch, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they can smell (or that they like to smell in general), and 1 good thing about themselves. Count off on your fingers. Box breathing: Have them breathe in for a count of 4, hold it for a count of 4, breathe out for a count of 4, rest for a count of 4, and repeat. and validate their feelings if they want to talk about what's bothering them. Sometimes, people just need to vent and be listened to. Let them talk it out if they want to discuss what's bothering them. Here are some helpful examples of things you could say: "I'm here to listen if you'd like to talk about it." "Take your time. I'm not going anywhere." "I'm sorry to hear that that happened to you." "That sounds difficult." "Of course you're upset. You're in a really tough situation. It's natural to be stressed about that." Sometimes, people just need to "have a good cry" and let out their emotions. Try saying "It's okay to cry" or "Cry all you need to. I'm here." You can bring a comfort item, offer to play their favorite music, offer affection, or do whatever you know helps the autistic person feel calmer. What's most calming can be different depending on the situation. So if they decline a hug in favor of listening to their favorite music and rocking back and forth, don't take it personally. They know what they need right now.
Summary: Ask if they'd like you to lead them in a relaxation exercise. Listen Let them cry it out. Offer comfort as needed.