Determinants of physical activity of transitioning adult children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Many young adults on the autism spectrum do not attain the recommended minimum weekly amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to prevent significant health risks. Autism symptoms as well as environmental factors may play a key role in the physical activity (PA) behaviors of young adults on the autism spectrum. The socioecological model (SEM) has been previously used to identify determinants of PA among people within many disability categories. Aims: Explore the overall relationship between determinants of PA of MVPA among parents and their young adult child with ASD as well as MVPA determinants segmented by caregiver level of support. Methods: 336 parents of adult children with ASD completed the Determinants of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviors for Young Adults with ASD Scale. Results: Children's weekly time spent in MVPA was predicted by parent self-reported MVPA, exercise competency, video game use, social skills, and neighborhood qualities. Parent weekly time spent in MVPA was predicted by their child's weekly MVPA, parent exercise competency, parent discretionary time, available home exercise equipment, and parent attitude towards physical activity. Conclusion: These results support the administration of quality community-based motor development, motor skills, and exercise skills programs focused on increasing physical activity and parent's influential role in their children's weekly MVPA.

Physical activity in young adults with autism spectrum disorder: Parental perceptions of barriers and facilitators.

The importance of physical activity in persons with disabilities is well known, yet the prevalence of inactivity remains high. The physical activity behaviors among adults on the autism spectrum are largely unexplored. It is presumed that sedentary behavior and obesity are a greater health issue among young adults on the autism spectrum who no longer receive Individuals with Disabilities Education Act services and supports such as school-based physical education. Using a phenomenology approach, the parents of eight young adults on the autism spectrum were interviewed about their perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to getting their young adults on the autism spectrum physically active. The purpose of this study was to investigate parent's perspective of physical activity barriers and facilitators of their adult children on the autism spectrum. Common themes of both physical activity barriers and facilitators included parents, behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder, and access and opportunities.