Academic Research: Identifying Physical Activity Determinants in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Age, the role of parents in modeling good exercise habits and supporting good exercise habits in their children, and time spent in activities that involve sitting influence the amount of physical activity children pursue. However, this has not been looked at for children with autism spectrum disorders. This article found that age and time spent in sedentary activities did negatively impact the amount of physical exercise youth with autism spectrum disorder did; however, the role of the parents did not seem to significantly impact their children. This difference is contrasted to research about youth without disabilities.

Pan, C.Y., & Frey, G.C. (2005). Identifying Physical Activity Determinants in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2, 410-420.

Download the Academic Research – Identifying Physical Activity Determinants in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDF).