Download or read book Hobby Preferences and Physical Activity Participation Among Children with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Scott Russell and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: BACKGROUND: Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit low physical activity levels and are at an increased risk for health problems related to sedentary behaviors. Hobby preferences have been shown to influence physical activity participation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the hobby preferences of children with ASD and determine if there are differences depending on the children's physical activity level and the nature of their preferred activities. A secondary purpose is to describe the hobby preferences of children with ASD. METHODS: Participants include 98 nine-year-old children (with and without ASD) from the National Growing up in Ireland Study. A number of questions adapted from the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire were utilized to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and hobby preferences. RESULTS: Chi-square, T-test and ANOVA analysis indicated children with ASD are less active than their TD peers, less likely to prefer active hobbies, and lastly, children with ASD were less active than their TD peers regardless of hobby preference type. CONCLUSION: This study provides frequency data on the hobby preferences of children with ASD. The study also provides further evidence of the need for interventions tailored to the hobby preferences of this population.

Download or read book Physical Activity Participation Among Adolescent Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Patrick Jachyra and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the physical activity (PA) participation of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they are reported to be less active than their age-related peers. Driven by Norbert Elias' Figurational Sociology, this study explored the lives and perspectives of a group of adolescent boys with ASD, and examined how their PA participation was mediated by wider social, cultural, institutional norms, values, and beliefs (socio-cultural processes). The objective was to understand how the identified socio-cultural processes interacted with bio-physical and psycho-behavioural processes to enhance, shape, and curtail their participation. A critical qualitative study using a multi-method design was used where 10 adolescent boys with ASD participated in two face-to-face interviews, and each created a digital story. Findings of this study make three substantive contributions to the literature on PA participation. First, data generated with participants added novel, rich, and in-depth descriptions of PA participation, and preliminary insights into the daily lives of adolescents with ASD. Second, in examining the daily lives of participants, findings highlight that PA was not merely a behaviour determined at the level of the individual. The analysis illuminated how PA was shaped by wider social values, norms and assumptions about ASD, and by practices, and interactions within particular PA spaces. These socio-cultural processes in turn influenced the (conscious and unconscious) choices and preferences made by participants in their particular social contexts, and shaped their habitus toward PA (dis)engagement. Finally, socio-cultural processes do not exist, or function in isolation. Rather, the study demonstrated how the interaction of bio-physical, psycho-behavioural, and socio-cultural processes interact to enhance, shape and curtail PA participation in numerous ways. These findings illuminate the complexity of PA participation, add nuance to the understanding of (in)activity, and highlight the need to consider these interdependent relationships when studying, conceptualizing and developing PA programs, opportunities, and interventions.

Download or read book Physical Activity Participation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders An Exploratory Study written by Atara Engel and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduction: Little is known about the physical activity [PA] habits of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders [ASD]. ASD specific PA barriers and facilitators have not been investigated. Purpose: To describe the PA habits of children with ASD and the barriers and facilitators to optimal PA participation. Methods: Twenty-three parents of children with ASD reported on their child's PA habits, perceived barriers to PA participation, and functioning. A rating scale was applied to score responses and children were classified into functional level groups and PA level groups. Results: On average, children were reported to meet or exceeded national PA frequency guidelines, belonged to active families and participated in a variety of physical activities. Parents identified several barriers to optimal PA for their children. Conclusions: Children with ASD can attain optimal PA. Exposure to a variety of PA opportunities and experiences aids in identifying the ideal activity for each individual child.Key Words: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, CHILDREN, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, BARRIERS.

Download or read book Physical Activity Levels of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Courtney P. Johnson and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 51 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The low physical activity levels of children today are a cause for serious concern. When examining certain populations of children, such as children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there is a possibility of even lower overall physical activity levels. However, when exploring the current literature examining the physical activity levels of children with ASD compared to children without ASD there were conflicting results. Some studies indicate that the physical activity levels between children with ASD and children without ASD are similar. Others indicate that children with ASD were less active than their counterparts. Although many of the previous studies employed sound protocol designs including using objective measures for physical activity, these studies did not appropriately match the groups. A child's environment is one of the determining factors of their overall physical activity levels. Current literature indicates that parents have a significant influence on the physical activity levels of their children. In order to accurately compare the levels of physical activity between children with ASD and without ASD, using appropriate matching groups is crucial. The purpose of this study was to examine the current physical activity levels of children with ASD by matching groups based on similar environments and parental influences. A total of 16 children (8 pairs of siblings) participated in this study. Physical activity levels were examined by the activity counts using accelerometers, evaluating time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and determining if children with ASD met the physical activity recommendations more or less than their siblings. Results indicate no difference in daily physical activity levels and time spent in MVPA were found between siblings. A total of 5 of the 16 children met the recommended amount of physical activity. Only 3 out of the 8 children with ASD met the recommended amount of physical activity. This stresses their time spent in MVPA should be an area of concern for all children and interventions should attempt to increase their MVPA early on. In conclusion, children with ASD were no less active than children without disabilities; however the children are not meeting the current physical activity recommendations. This study also suggests that for children with ASD, it may not be the condition that limits their physical activity, but instead the environmental factors may influence their activity levels.

Download or read book Potential of Physical Activity Based Intervention on Sleep in Children with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Thai Duy Duy Nguyen and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sleep problems are widespread, and sleep disorders are frequent in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Physical activities (PA) are considered a practical, non-pharmacological approach for improving sleep. This study aims to explore the impact of PA on sleep in children with or without ASD. Seventy-five children were recruited, including 57 children with ASD and 18 typically developing (TD) children as control. Participants wore an accelerometer monitor (Sense Wear® Pro Armband 3, Body media) for 6 consecutive days and nights to assess sleep and PA. The results indicated ASD children had limited participation in PA compared with TD children (Total time for PA: 156 ± 79 vs. 216 ± 59 minutes on weekdays; 145 ± 93 vs. 178 ± 108 minutes on weekend). The children usually had more opportunities to participate in PA on weekdays and they tended to resist recommended bedtime (Sleep duration: 7.0 ± 0.8 vs. 9.6 ± 1.2 hours with ASD children; 7.1 ± 0.7 vs. 9.5 ± 1 hours with TD children). It also reported PA with moderate to vigorous intensity was better to improve sleep in children both with and without ASD. Finally, this study recommended promoting PA will help to improve sleep quality and reduce sedentary behaviors for children with ASD in particular and children in general.

Download or read book Social Environmental Influences on Physical Activity of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders written by Michaela A. Schenkelberg and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may be at greater risk for not meeting physical activity guidelines than neurotypical children (NT). Influences on physical activity (PA) of children with ASD are unclear and marked characteristics of the disorder pose challenges for developing interventions to promote PA. The purpose of this study was to explore setting (free play versus structured) and group composition influences on ASD and NT young children's physical activity (LMVPA, MVPA) during a summer camp. Methods: Data were collected on 12 boys (5-6 years) attending an inclusive summer camp. During free play and structured activity sessions, research assistants observed the camp's social environment and children's PA using a modified version of the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity of Children - Preschool. Results: In a free play setting, children with ASD spent significantly less time in MVPA while with a peer (1.0% of session time), compared to being with a group of peers (12%) or when alone (13%). In free play, NT peers spent significantly more time in LMVPA when solitary (67%) compared to with a peer (38%) or with an adult (40%). In a structured setting, NT peers had greater LMVPA solitary (72%) social environments compared to being in a group with adult (34%). Conclusion: Preliminary evidence suggests that features of the social environment may influence PA levels of children with and without ASD. Depending on the setting, certain social group contexts may be more PA promoting than others.

Download or read book Effects of Physical Activity on High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Angela Vanessa-Taca Baugh and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Regular physical activity (PA) is vital for living a healthy life and reduced chance of disease for people of all ages. Despite the U.S. government guidelines, many adolescents do not regularly participate or get enough physical activity and research has shown physical activity occurring with much less frequency for youth with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when compared to youth without disabilities (Pan & Frey, 2006). Fewer social opportunities and higher levels of disruptive and interfering behavior may contribute to these discrepancies. The current study compared two types of physical activity, instructor-led and exergaming among 3 high school students with ASD in a classroom after school. Using an alternating treatment design, results report levels of participation and active physical engagement during each condition. Limitations are considered along with application to practice for increasing involvement in physical education activities.

Download or read book Play based Physical Activity for Motor Skill Improvement in Young Children with Autism written by Stephanie Palmer and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Clinically significant motor impairment affects 50-100% of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although not included in the diagnostic criteria, research suggests that motor impairments appear during infancy, precipitate the onset and progression of classical autistic symptomology, and are associated with the severity of autistic deficits. Presently, few studies directly address motor impairment in ASD. In those that do, physical education, exercise, and exergaming interventions have been found to enhance motor skill proficiency. Little is known about the effect of unstructured physical activity on motor skills in children with autism. Thus, this pilot study sought to examine the impact of unstructured, one-on-one, physically active play on motor skill proficiency as defined by the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) in autistic children between ages 3 and 10. Twenty, one-on-one, 60-minute play-based physical activity sessions were administered over a 10-week period (2x/week). The physical activity environment was arranged according to the North Carolina Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communications Handicapped Children (TEACCH) guidelines. Session structure precluded skill teaching and sought to elicit gross and fine motor activity within physical activity opportunity stations, but without regard to type or intensity of activity. A comparison of pre-and post-intervention TGMD-2 scores captured motor skill outcomes. Findings suggest that unstructured physically active play is not sufficient to improve global motor skill competency in young children with autism. However, active play fostered significant improvements in two in running skill scores. The TGMD-2 is designed to assess those skills that would foster participation in physical education and recreational settings. Improved running may advance play-abilities and support other forms of activity. Future research should consider using assessments more sensitive to acute changes in motor skill efficacy, measurement of time spent in physically active play, and qualitative analysis of parent-perceived outcome and improvement.

Download or read book Meaningful Participation and Sensory Processing written by Antoine Bailliard and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2022-11-15 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Increasing Daily Physical Activity Levels in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Gabrielle Salvatore and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this study was to understand components of motivation, adherence, and self-efficacy in exercise programs in adults with autism spectrum disorder, as well as the barriers that affect exercise participation in this population. A mixed-methods approach was utilized with an online survey, semi-structured interviews, and brief behavioral intervention. The online survey consisted of 20 questions. Measures included demographics and questionnaires regarding the utilization of and beliefs regarding activity trackers. Participants were recruited through Temple University's Disability Resources and Services and through the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Thirty-five (n = 35) responses were collected from participants aged 18-68 (age 34±14.77 years). It was important for the research team to understand if this population could benefit from exercise technology to help promote behavior change. Participants were females (54.3%) and males (45.7%), with 68.6% reporting Caucasian, 20% Asian, 2.9% Hispanic, and 8.6% other. Of the respondents, 40% were Temple University students and 60% were community members. A majority of participants (78.1%) reported that they do not currently use an activity tracker and 71% reported that they do not use a mobile application to track physical activity (PA); however, 73.5% reported that using an activity tracker would help to increase PA levels. Of the total participants who attempted the online survey (n = 35), 79.41% (n = 27) indicated interest in a follow-up interview. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (n = 3) aged 19-53. Interviews were designed to further understand the PA levels of adults on the spectrum, as well as the attitudes and motivations toward PA. A version of the constant comparative method was used to identify 5 themes; exercise history, perceived barriers, environmental constraints, exercise demands, and how ASD affects exercise participation. From the 5 themes, 24 subthemes emerged based on interview responses. . Following the interviews, participants were provided a brief PA intervention. Two individuals aged 19-21 wore a Fitbit Flex 2 for a total of six weeks; exploring the potential to motivate persons with ASD to increase their PA levels using techniques such as goal setting and reinforcement. The research team designed this study using a pre-test post-test design. Overall, the step count and activity levels of both participants increased when comparing the pre-phase to the post-phase. However, no significance was found when running paired samples t-tests between pre-test and post-test PA results. These findings suggest that individuals with ASD do not exhibit statistically significant differences at pre-test or post-test. It is important to note that these results are not generalizable due to the small sample size.

Download or read book The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Verbal Behavior of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Josiah Johnson and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and verbal behavior of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy sessions. This study has two research questions: The first is, to what extent does physical activity influence the rate of manding of children with ASD during ABA therapy sessions? The second question is, to what extent does physical activity influence the variety of mands of children with ASD during ABA therapy sessions? The study took place at a university-based verbal behavior laboratory. Four preschool children with ASD received ABA therapy at the verbal behavior laboratory were recruited to participate in the study. The research questions were addressed using a single subject multi-element design (Barlow and Hayes, 1979) consisting of two separate treatment conditions. The first treatment condition consisted of discrete trial training and similar activities that promoted relatively sedentary behaviors. The children received most of their therapy at either a table or small area of the verbal behavior laboratory. The second treatment condition consisted of natural environment training that promoted more physical activity and encouraged children to explore the verbal behavior laboratory. Data on the rate of mands and the variety of mands were collected and analyzed. Three of the four participants had slightly higher rates of manding and manded for a greater variety of items or activities in the active treatment condition. The three children that displayed the higher levels of verbal behavior in the active condition displayed corresponding lower levels of verbal behavior as assessed by the VB-MAPP and VOA. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that ABA providers employ activities that promote physical activity during ABA therapy for preschool children with ASD especially to those that have low levels of verbal behavior as assessed by the VB-MAPP and VOA.

Download or read book The Effects of Antecedent Physical Activity on the Academic Engagement of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders written by Heather Nicholson and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Autism Get Your Moves written by Elizabeth O. Morejon and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 173 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Both the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obesity among children wit ASD are on the rise. A growing body of evidence indicates a concern about the health consequences of obesity and improving with ASD. Physical activity is well known as a means for reducing the risk of obesity and improving quality of life. Many studies have been conducted over the years to address the effectiveness of physical activity for children with ASD. However, although community programs exist to get children involved in physical activities, few of them meet the needs of children with ASD. For this project, an in-depth review of the literature was conducted with the purpose of identifying the effectiveness of physical activities for children with ASD and determining what hinders their participation, as well as what would make physical activity programs viable for this population.

Download or read book Predictors and Outcomes of Physical Activity for Young Adults with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Jessica L. Hamm and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion released the Healthy People 2020 plan in 2010 (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion [ODPHP], 2010). The mission of Healthy People 2020 is focused on improving the health of all Americans. One common tool utilized to improve the health of Americans is physical activity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011b). However, many young adults, including individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), engage in low amounts of physical activity (Haskell et al., 2007) and often struggle to achieve an optimal health status (Park, Mulye, Adams, Brindis, & Irwin, 2006). Therefore, more successful health promotion efforts are needed. In order to achieve this goal two separate studies were conducted to help understand the mechanism of how to promote physical activity and the role of physical activity within health outcomes for young adults with and without ASD. The first study (Chapter 2) cross-validated the self-determination theory for physical activity among young adults with ASD. One-hundred and forty-three young adults with ASD completed a questionnaire pertaining to their basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), self-determined motivation, and physical activity level. Results from a path analysis revealed an overall adequate model fit (x2 (3, N = 143) = 11.99, p = .007, GFI = .97, NFI = .95, CFI =. 96, RMSEA = .15) concerning the self-determination theory for young adults with ASD. The second study (Chapter 3) reported the influence of physical activity and ASD on the multiple domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for young adults. Three-hundred and twenty participants, including young adults with ASD, completed a questionnaire regarding their physical activity level and HRQOL. Results from five separate multiple regressions, based on bias-corrected bootstrapping, suggested that physical activity levels significantly predicted overall HRQOL (b = .04; CI = .02, .06), and the four domains, including physical health (b = .007; CI= .002, .01), psychological (b = .01; CI= .01, .02), environment (b = .01; CI = .002, .02), and social relationships (b = .01; CI = .00, .02). Additionally, after controlling for physical activity and an individual’s sex, status of (having) ASD significantly influenced overall HRQOL (b = -7.28; CI = -9.82, -4.70), as well as the physical health domain (b = -2.68; CI = -3.39, -1.98), psychological domain (b = -2.04; CI = -2.81, -1.33, and the environment domain (b = -1.86; CI = -2.51, -1.21). This research supports the importance of physical activity to positively influence HRQOL. Also, results suggest that the self-determination theory is one appropriate conceptual model that practitioners could utilize to increase physical activity among young adults with ASD. Although this research helps to clarify the predictors and outcomes of physical activity for young adults, further research is needed. Future research should focus on examining specific strategies to improve the perceptions of the basic psychological needs for young adults with ASD. Additionally, researchers could investigate how the physical activity setting (e.g., team sports) influences an individual’s HRQOL.

Download or read book Physical Activity Levels Barriers and Facilitators Encountered In Adolescents with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Nicholas Leahy and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 101 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While physical activity is beneficial to adolescent health and development, only 25% of adolescents met the physical activity recommendations of 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Research has shown adolescents with developmental disabilities, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are at a higher risk of being physically inactive. It has been reported that adolescents with ASD participated in 30% less physical activity weekly than typically developing (TD) adolescents. Further, this group may face more and/or different types of physical activity barriers than TD adolescents. Currently, there is limited research comparing the physical activity barriers and facilitators seen in adolescents with and without ASD. Therefore, this study aims at determine the physical activity levels, barriers, and facilitators of adolescents with and without ASD. Methods: Seven adolescents (15.4 ± 1.4 years of age) participated in the study; three were TD and four were diagnosed with ASD. Height and weight were measured and then the adolescents wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for one week to assess their physical activity levels. Time spent in moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was determined using established cut-points. The adolescents also completed the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System physical activity questions. To measure physical activity barriers and facilitators the adolescents completed the PACE adolescent survey. The PACE survey divided questions into the following subscales: personal, social, environmental, beliefs, and self-efficacy factors. Results: Only one of the seven participants met the recommendations for MVPA according to the accelerometers. Both TD and ASD adolescents spent most of their time in sedentary and light physical activity and more time in moderate than vigorous physical activity. Both groups of adolescents reported minimum amounts of physical activity barriers and the main category of barriers reported was classified as personal. A medium effect size (.54) was observed when comparing sedentary activity counts between the two groups. Large effect sizes were observed when examining moderate and vigorous physical activity minutes (1.1 and .98, respectively), meaning there was a large difference in time spent in the different intensities between the two groups of adolescents. In terms of barriers, more personal barriers were observed in TD adolescents (1.1) according to effect size analysis. Large effects were also seen in the benefits subscale (1.76), where TD adolescent saw more benefits to physical activity than the ASD adolescents. Conclusion: Many adolescents in this study failed to meet physical activity guidelines. While the TD adolescents reported more personal barriers, they also had a better understanding of the benefits physical activity gives them compared to ASD adolescents. Both groups accumulated copious amounts of light physical activity; so, one approach should be to shift the physical activity levels from light to moderate intensity. Further, helping ASD adolescents have a better understanding of how being physically active might benefit them could be another strategy to increase time spent in MVPA.

Download or read book In High School Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Does Physical Activity Influence Functional Capacity written by Kaelyn Beach and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Background: Teens diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk of developing comorbidities associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Alongside obesity, a decrease in physical fitness and delays in motor skill acquisition impact functional capacity and ability of the child to participate in society. The purpose of this literature review was to determine if physical activity impacted the functional capacity in high-school aged children with ASD.Methods: A comprehensive search strategy using MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, APA PsycInfo, socINDEX, ERIC, and Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine was completed. Search terms included: “autism spectrum disorder,” “exercise,” “rehabilitation,” “physical therapy,” and “functional activity.” Inclusion criteria included: application of a physical activity intervention, a sample diagnosed with ASD, and implementation of either intervention, cohort, systematic review, or meta-analysis study designs. Exclusion criteria included: an outcome that focused only on the cognitive, behavioral, or sensory domains, a sample diagnosed only with Asperger’s syndrome, studies not written in English, and a sample that only included adults over 22 years of age.Results: After a thorough review of the literature, seven articles were selected for inclusion in this review: 1 meta-analysis, 1 systematic review, 4 intervention studies, and 1 feasibility study.Discussion: Though strong evidence is lacking in this area of research, results from this review indicate a positive correlation between physical activity and improvements in functional capacity. Future research should include physical therapists as keystone providers for children with ASD and guidelines made to assist therapists in the prevention of secondary impairments and improvements in physical functioning of children with ASD.

Download or read book Consistency of Preferences for Reinforcers in Children with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder written by and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: