An exploratory study on factors that impact children with Autism Spectrum Disorder’s physical activity
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Mandy L. Northcutt (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Ben Dyson
Abstract: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) commonly exhibit core symptoms such as challenges with social communication, interaction, repetitive behaviors, and motor ability. These core symptoms can create barriers to physical activity (PA) for this population, leading to reduced opportunities for routine exercise and decreased quantity of time spent in PA. This study helped fill in the literature gap by illuminating a more holistic understanding of these factors related to PA in children diagnosed with ASD. In phase one of this research, data collection and initial analysis procedures spanned over ten weeks. In phase two, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the children with ASD (n=5) and the facilitators of the PA (n=6). Based on inductive data analysis, six themes were drawn from the data: motivation, social interaction, physical activity, environment, sensory, and communication—analysis of the semi-structured interview data supported and enhanced the observation data. The findings suggest that facilitators of PA need to establish a positive, trusting relationship with children with ASD. Physical activities should be tailored to students' sensory needs, and visual cues such as modeling and clear verbal instructions can enhance communication. Extrinsically motivating children with ASD through specific goal-setting can reduce the feelings of being overwhelmed and provide opportunities for success. Person-centered planning, which prioritizes independence, can provide a more holistic pedagogical approach by centering the teaching of new physical activities to the child's needs with ASD.
An exploratory study on factors that impact children with Autism Spectrum Disorder’s physical activity
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Created on 8/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Autism, Autistic spectrum disorder, Physical activity
- Subjects
- Children with autism spectrum disorders
- Exercise for people with disabilities