Improving Social Skills of Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Physical Activity, Sports, and Games: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Socialization skill deficiencies among adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can lead to depression, anxiety, aggression, and physical health problems. Clinical interventions must treat primary deficiencies and prevent secondary conditions. A treatment model emphasizing the integration of physical activity with social intervention strategies for adults with ASD is proposed.

The Contributions of Physical Education and Game Activities on Behaviors of Autistic Individuals

“…In terms of the view that playing activities affect socializing positively, which was supported by the results of this research; Roncaglia (2014) states in her study that sports and training eliminate stress and anxiety in autistic individuals and Kunzi (2015) states in his study conducted on individuals with autism spectrum disorder that troubles experienced in socializing can create depression, anxiety, aggression and physical health issues. The study, which proves that integrated sport and playing can eliminate such problems and Yu Pan's study (2010), which is based on a 10-week swimming training program applied on autistic children, proving that the children demonstrate skills and social development as a result of such programs are in parallel with the results of this study.…”

Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu Olan Çocuğa Sahip Annelerin Uyguladığı Uyarlanmış Fiziksel Aktivitelerin Annelerin Yaşam Kalitesine Etkisi

“…In the process of preparing the theoretical framework of the APA program, the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR) model of Greenspan and colleagues was used (Greenspan, 1992). Also, the relevant literature examining the skills that involved in the activities to maximize the interaction between mother and child and the quality of the time they spent included the win-lose dilemmas and encouraged children to communicate verbally and non-verbally (Fragala-Pinkham et al, 2005;Garcia-Villamisar & Dattilo, 2010;Gutman et al, 2012;Kunzi, 2015;Menear & Neumeier, 2015;Srinivasan et al, 2014;Staples et al, 2011;Todd & Reid, 2006). The general content of the program includes warm-up movements, functional exercises, educational games, sports competitions and stretching-cooling sections.…”

“…UFA programının teorik çerçevesinin hazırlanması sürecinde, Greenspan ve meslektaşlarının gelişimsel, bireyselleştirilmiş ve ilişki odaklı (Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based [DIR]) modelinden yararlanılmıştır (Greenspan, 1992). Ayrıca, ilgili alanyazın (Fragala-Pinkham vd., 2005;Garcia-Villamisar & Dattilo, 2010;Gutman vd., 2012;Kunzi, 2015;Menear & Neumeier, 2015;Srinivasan vd., 2014;Staples vd., 2011;Todd & Reid, 2006) incelenerek, aktivitelerde yer alan becerilerin anne-çocuk arasındaki etkileşimi ve geçirdikleri zamanın kalitesini en üst noktaya taşıması, kazanma-kaybetme ikilemlerini içermesi ve sözel ve sözel olmayan şekilde katılımcı çocukları iletişim kurmaya teşvik etmesine dikkat edilmiştir. Programda; ısınma aktiviteleri, eğitsel oyunlar, istasyon parkurları, sportif yarışmalar, işlevsel hareketler ve esnetme-soğuma çalışmaları yer almıştır.…”

Social Engagement versus Isolation in the Well-being of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Research asserts that social integration among adults with autism spectrum disorder can be enhanced through combining social intervention tactics with adult physical activities [23]. As such, this approach fosters the development of both social skills as well as physical health.…”

“…As such, this approach fosters the development of both social skills as well as physical health. There are studies that maintain that the ability to develop these socialization skills possess the capacity to prevent or correct negative outcomes such as depression, individual anxiety as well as physical health challenges [23].…”