Beneficial Use and Potential Effectiveness of Physical Activity in Managing Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by poor social and communication skills. Therapeutic interventions are behavioral and educational-normally delivered as structured programs. Several well-established programs exist and most of them do not incorporate physical activity and exercise as core elements. Deficiencies in motor skills are associated with ASD and physical activity has been shown to reduce maladaptive behaviors with autistics. However, the notion of exercise being employed to manage autism is controversial. Meta-analysis and systematic reviews have concluded that physical activity has positive effects on social skills and behavior in young children and adolescents with autism. Activities such as martial arts have been singled out as being particularly beneficial. Established programs such as TEACCH have been successfully modified, as research trials, to be more physical activity-based and have shown positive results. Studies have also reinforced the importance of the role of parental involvement in delivering programs based on physical activity. There is a paucity of research evidence about the long-term effects of physical activity-based interventions. There is also disparity over the detailed nature of the activities and exercises that compose an effective program. Each person with autism has a highly individualized set of symptoms and characteristics for which highly individualized programs are warranted. This is especially true for physical activity programs.

Early Motor Signs in Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Therefore, the early detection of motor signs in HR individuals, even when social communication deficits are not evident, represents a relevant warning signal that leads one to suspect the imminent appearance of an ASD clinical picture [ 8 ]. In this perspective, it is probably not by chance that the physical activity seems to be effective not only on motor skills but also on social-communication skills and behavior (see reduction of maladaptive and stereotypical behaviors) in ASD children and adolescents, improving their quality of life [ 77 , 78 ]. Yet, many aspects about early motor dysfunction in ASD still need to be clarified.…”

Drums-Alive Intervention Effect on the Motor and Functional Skills in Youth with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

“…However, sometimes motor difficulties can limit individuals with ID and ASD to participate in PA. Sefen et al (2020) research on the beneficial use and potential effectiveness of PA in managing ASD suggested that in terms of PA programs and behavior interventions, each person with ASD has a highly individualized set of symptoms and characteristics that require highly individualized plans.…”

O Judô Como Ferramenta De Socialização E Promoção a Saúde Para Adolescentes Com Tea

“…Outro aspecto observado pelos pais positivamente nos participantes é que não existiu um comportamento de aversão quanto a pratica do judô ou um fator negativo em seus filhos quando praticaram o judô, apenas momentos de ansiedade para que a aula ocorresse, com exceção da primeira aula, pois os alunos ficavam ansiosos, o que acaba sendo normal, visto que é uma surpresa e quebra da rotina de vida dos mesmos, e a rotina diária é um fator importante para esses indivíduos (RIVERA, RENZIEHAUSEN, GARCIA, 2020). O programa realizado por Sefen et al, (2020) para estudo com crianças e adolescentes com TEA, foi utilizado o método TEACCH (método onde é realizada uma avaliação para perceber os pontos fortes e de maior interesse assim como suas dificuldades, para a partir disso realizar uma estratégia individualizada); utiliza-se esse tipo de método para o tratamento e educação de crianças autistas e com deficiências relacionadas a comunicação. O estudo mostrou que a atividades físicas como instrumento terapêutico tem seus benefícios para a saúde de crianças e adolescentes com TEA e a importância da relação dos pais nos encontros.…”

“…O autor ainda relata que cada pessoa com essa condição genética tem sintomas e características individualizadas, dando ênfase há uma carência em relação às pesquisas que as envolvam; efeitos de longo prazo com a atividade física se tratando de pessoas com o transtorno no espectro autista faz-se necessário se atentar a individualidade biológica de cada aluno e verificar efeitos crônicos do exercício como terapia para as crianças e adolescentes com o transtorno (SEFEN et al, 2020).…”