Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Review

Abstract

Current recommendations indicate that children and youth ages 5-17 should participate in 60 min and adults in 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Research suggests that physical activity levels of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are lower than typically developing and developed peers. Despite evidence for PA decreasing negative behaviors and promoting positive behaviors, individuals with ASD may be less motivated and less likely to participate. Individuals with ASD may be more likely to be overweight or obese than their typically developing counterparts as a result of decreased activity levels. Conflicting findings regarding PA levels in individuals with ASD have been reported. Given mixed evidence, further inquiry is warranted. The present chapter provides a review of literature pertaining to PA in individuals with ASD. Four databases were searched. Predetermined search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria were clearly outlined to identify relevant articles which were then critically appraised. This research provides a greater understanding of the status of PA participation of individuals with ASD.

Obesity, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder compared with typically developing peers

“…Furthermore, physical activity levels are higher in younger children compared with older adolescents, with 42.5% of 6-to 11-year-olds meeting the recommendation, but only 7.5% and 5.1% of 12-to 15-year-olds and 16-to 19-year-olds, respectively, meeting the recommendation (Katzmarzyk et al, 2016). Children and adolescents specifically with ASD follow similar physical activity patterns in which boys are more physically active than girls, and children are more physically active than adolescents (Jones et al, 2017;Scharoun, Wright, Robertson-Wilson, Fletcher, & Bryden, 2017).…”

Physical Activity Among Adults With Autism: Participation, Attitudes, and Barriers

“…PA is often performed in a social setting with coaches and teammates, but social deficits are core to an ASD diagnosis (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). As previously stated, social challenges can make team sports difficult, potentially leading to reduced motivation to partake in PA (see Scharoun et al, 2017, for a review). Such problems may persist into adulthood and may be important to consider for any organization seeking to provide PA to adults with ASD.…”

“…Finally, multiple barriers may disrupt attempts to engage in PA such as transportation challenges (Lublin & Feeley, 2016) and problems specifically associated with ASD. Social challenges, motor skill deficiencies, and sensory hypersensitivity can make childhood sports challenging, leading to negative experiences and reduced motivation to engage in PA for children with ASD (Nichols et al, 2019;Scharoun et al, 2017).…”

Fundamental Motor Skills Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 10-Year Narrative Review

“…Rehabilitation programs usually target social interaction, communicative skills, and behavioral difficulties as their primary foci. However, as discussed above, improving motor skills in autistic children could have a beneficial cascade effect on engagement in active play, thus offering remarkable opportunities for the social interactions mediated by physical activity [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”