Autism spectrum disorder and physical activity

Abstract

Autism is a common developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with speech and behaviours, such as lack of social abilities and repetitive behaviours. Some studies have shown that after the intervention of physical activity, all of the social interaction ability, communication ability, stereotyped behaviour and sports skills of children and adolescents with autism have been improved, which can reduce the degree of autism. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased dramatically and is currently estimated at 1 in 68 children. ASD is defined by two symptom dimensions including social impairments and circumscribed and repetitive behaviours and interests (American Psychiatric Association). One subgroup that has increased is those with ASD without intellectual disability who currently comprise 68% of those diagnosed. Current guidelines recommend that youth engage in ≥ 60 minutes of Physical Activity daily, with the majority being moderate-to-vigorous, and muscle strengthening activities ≥ 3 days per week. Despite the significant need, few exercise programs have been developed or adapted for children with ASD, and there is a lack of evidence-based exercise treatments. Recommendations for improving exercise intervention studies in ASD include testing of treatments in functionally homogeneous (narrower) subgroups with ASD using larger wellcharacterized samples. This is necessary as children with ASD have different tolerances for activities/tasks and functional heterogeneity will likely lead to variable treatment responsiveness. Additionally, group-based treatments will be more applicable for children with ASD without intellectual disability.

Analysis of Quality of Life of Autistic Students on the Canary Islands during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Educational Response Offered

“…Physical well-being is positioned as an essential dimension in the quality of life of people with ASD. Studies such as those conducted by Cuesta [29] and Moscatelli [30] have provided evidence that physical activity can lead to improvements in the capacity for social interaction, communication, reduction in stereotyped behaviors, and the promotion of sports skills in children with ASD, with physical activity being of great utility in improving the quality of life of people with ASD [31]. Despite these demonstrated benefits, it is important to note that, in general, people with ASD tend to engage in less physical activity compared to their peers.…”

Positive impact of the Therasuit method on gross motor function of children with autism spectrum disorder: Case series

“…Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, the presence of repetitive behavior patterns, restricted interests, and limitations of activities, resulting in a negative impact during the child’s development process ( 1 ). However, although central symptoms of social interaction, communication, and stereotyped behavior impairments are mostly discussed, deficits in gross motor skills or physical performance, such as gait abnormalities, postural instability, and coordination difficulties, are commonly observed in children with ASD ( 2 , 3 ).…”

“…The social and behavioral impairments in children with ASD tend to bring on fewer opportunities for physical activity, negatively affecting motor behavior and possibly leading to obesity ( 3 ). Motor impairments associated with ASD show alterations in brain development processes, structures, and connectivity.…”