The Effect of Sports Activities on Motor and Social Skills in Autistic Children and Adolescents: a Systematic Narrative Review

Abstract

Background The main traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are difficulties in social communication and interactions. Autism is frequently related to motor impairments. In the last decades, to develop and promote the social and motor skills of autistic people, several sports training programmes have been designed. In the present systematic narrative review, we aimed at providing an overview of studies evaluating the effectiveness of these sports training programmes to synthesize their strengths and weaknesses. Method To formulate the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, the PICO protocol was used. The PRISMA protocol was applied to four databases for the search strategy. 30 papers were reviewed, and their main features were tabulated and critically discussed. Results Findings highlighted that 8 types of sports were applied to autistic individuals and that the majority of them were focused on two individual sports (i.e., swimming and horseback riding). In sum, findings revealed that sports training programmes provided positive benefits both on motor/social skills as well as on autistic traits (e.g., repetitive behaviours) and individual functioning. The narrative synthesis revealed also that future studies should enroll more autistic females and preschoolers. To encourage the social inclusion of autistic individuals, a group of typically developing peers should be involved in future sports training programmes. Discussion In conclusion, professionals trained on autistic traits and knowledgeable in the target sport are required; consultations with the autistic community as guidance for designing novel sports training programmes are recommended.

A Self-Narrative Study: Changes in Physical Ability and Social Communication in Children with Autism through Taekwondo Training with Elements of Music Therapy from the Parents’ Perspective

“…The discipline and self-control required in Taekwondo can also help children with autism manage their behaviors more effectively, leading to advancements in their social intelligence and making connections with peers. Meanwhile, improving motor skills has provided a solid ground for autistic children to improve their socio-communication skills, promoting and generalizing the skills learned in therapeutic settings [16]. It also summarized that the effectiveness of individual sports in improving motor and social skills was demonstrated in the ASD population [16].…”

“…Meanwhile, improving motor skills has provided a solid ground for autistic children to improve their socio-communication skills, promoting and generalizing the skills learned in therapeutic settings [16]. It also summarized that the effectiveness of individual sports in improving motor and social skills was demonstrated in the ASD population [16].…”