Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-sjtt6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-06-19T18:11:10.408Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Improving the quality of life of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders through athletic-based therapy programs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 July 2019

Michelle Jimeno
Michelle Jimeno*
Affiliation:
Bright FACES Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Michelle Jimeno, Email: michelle.jimeno@brightfaces.com.au
Get access

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted disorder that is pervasive across sensory, behavioural, emotional, social and motor dysfunction. Research suggests up to 50% of children diagnosed with ASD demonstrate motor difficulties. An inability to perform complex motor movements often leads to preference for simple and sedentary activities. Furthermore, social communication difficulties significantly impair the ability to engage in group activities and form peer relationships. The Sports and Recreation Group is a fee-based athletic program that aims to provide a structured environment to engage children and adolescents with ASD in a small therapeutic group program. Resistance training, plyometric, and balance and coordination are examples of some of the complex motor movements implemented. The group consisted of four participants diagnosed with ASD, aged 9–16 years. Duration involved two blocks of 8 consecutive weeks across three terms. Baseline data was collected from participant self-reports and parent reports using the PedsQL™ and again at 6-months follow-up. Results from this case study highlighted an increase in motor abilities and quality of life by enhancing the individual’s functional movements and psychosocial functioning. This article argues for the inclusion of athletic programs to be integrated as part of the therapeutic planning for children and adolescents with ASD.

Keywords

autismquality of lifeschool-aged childrengroup therapyphysical exercise
Type
Articles
Information
The Educational and Developmental Psychologist , Volume 36 , Issue 2 , December 2019 , pp. 68 - 74
Copyright
© Australian Psychological Society Ltd 2019 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.Google Scholar
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2017). Autism in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/autism-in-australia/contents/autism Google Scholar
Chiang, H.M., & Wineman, I. (2014). Factors associated with quality of life in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A review of literature. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 8, 974–986.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jacobson, N.S., & Truax, P. (1991). Clinical significance: A statistical approach to defining meaningful change in psychotherapy research. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59, 12–19.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lochbaum, M., & Crews, D. (2003). Viability of cardiorespiratory and muscular strength programs for the adolescent with autism. Complementary Health Practice Review, 8, 225–233.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
MacDonald, M., Esposito, P., & Ulrich, D. (2011). The physical activity patterns of children with autism. BMC Research Notes, 4, 422.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Oriel, K.N., George, C.L., Peckus, R., & Semon, A. (2011). The effects of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 23, 187–193.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Pan, C.Y., Tsai, C.L., & Hsieh, K.W. (2011). Physical activity correlates for children with autism spectrum disorders in middle school physical education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 82, 491–498.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Roncaglia, I. (2014). Coping styles: A better understanding of stress and anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum conditions through sport and exercise models. Psychological Thought, 7, 134–143.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Srinivasan, S.M., Pescatello, L.S., & Bhat, A.N. (2014). Current perspectives on physical activity and exercise recommendations for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Physical Therapy, 94, 875–889.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Tanner, K., Hand, B.N., O’Toole, G., & Lane, A.E. (2015). Effectiveness of interventions to improve social participation, play, leisure, and restricted and repetitive behaviors in people with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69, 1–12.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Todd, T., & Reid, G. (2006). Increasing physical activity in individuals with autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21, 167–176.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Varni, J.W. (1998a). PedsQL™ Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 — Australian English (Child Report ages 8–12; Teenager Report ages 13–18). User’s manual and interpretation guide. Lyon, France: MAPI Institute, France. Retrieved from https://www.pedsql.org/index.html Google Scholar
Varni, J.W. (1998b). PedsQL™ Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 – Australian English (Parent Report for Children ages 8–12; Parent Report for Teenagers ages 13–18). User’s manual and interpretation guide. Lyon, France: MAPI Institute, France. Retrieved from https://www.pedsql.org/index.htmlGoogle Scholar
Varni, J.W., Seid, M., & Kurtin, P.S. (2001). PedsQL™ 4.0: Reliability and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ version 4.0 generic core scales in healthy and patient populations. Medical Care, 39, 800–812.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
World Health Organization. (1999). Annotated bibliography of the WHO quality of life assessment instrument – WHOQOL. Geneva, Switzerland: Author.Google Scholar