Physical Activity and Autism

Physical Activity and Autism

Autism Research published a meta-analysis on physical activity and autism.  The goal of the research was to determine the effect of physical activity interventions on children with autism spectrum disorder.  The meta-analysis included 29 studies with 30 independent samples (N = 1009).  The research on physical activity and autism indicated the following:

– overall moderate effect (g = 0.62) of physical activity interventions on a variety of outcomes.

– moderate to large positive effects were revealed for participants exposed to interventions targeting the development of:

• manipulative skills.
• locomotor skills.
• skill-related fitness
• social functioning
• muscular strength and endurance.

– the environment was the only subgrouping variable (intervention characteristics) to produce a significant difference between moderators.

The researchers concluded that physical activity is an evidence-based strategy for youth with autism spectrum disorder.

Reference:  Healy, S., Nacario, A., Braithwaite, R. E., & Hopper, C. (2018). The effect of physical activity interventions on youth with autism spectrum disorder: A meta‐analysis. Autism Research.

READ MORE ON EXERCISE AND AUTISM:

Exercise, Behavior, and Autism

Aquatic Exercise and Sleep in Children with Autism

Exercise, Academic Engagement and Children with Autism

Exercise, Academics, and Autism

Gross Motor Skills, Postural Stability, and Autism

Physical Activity and Adolescents with Autism

Physical Activity, Math, and Children with Autism

Movement Flashcards – Movement Flashcards digital download includes 10 aerobic exercises with flashcards templates. Students can get physical activity while reviewing material. The 10 aerobic activities include: run in place, jumping, hopping, squats, lunges, skipping, twists, cross crawls, jumping jacks and marching. Each page includes a picture image of the aerobic exercise along with a blank template to type in 18 flashcards. You choose what to work on for academic material.

Classroom Activity Posters is a download collection of 16 exercise activities, 4 large posters and a brief, simple video demonstration of each exercise.The posters are divided into four groups: posture, alerting, ready to work and focus/balance. All of the exercises are performed in standing. Try these activities prior to starting fine motor activities, for posture breaks, to refocus students attention and for vestibular/ proprioceptive input in the classroom.  Find out more information.