Trajectories of physical activity among autistic children and their caregivers: Outcomes of a virtual 1-year longitudinal intervention

Abstract

Background: Participation in regular physical activity (PA) is a critical component of overall well-being. However, opportunities to engage in health-enhancing PA for families who have an autistic child are relatively obsolete. A virtual PA intervention has the potential to address many participation barriers and represents a timely opportunity to promote positive trajectories of PA among vulnerable populations.

Objective: To examine PA trajectories during a one-year virtual intervention for autistic children and their caregiver and to explore relationships in activity participation within child-caregiver dyads.

Methods: Twenty-nine families, including autistic children and their caregiver participated in the full intervention. Caregivers completed questionnaires to measure PA behavior at baseline and four-month intervals throughout the intervention.

Results: Reported PA significantly increased among autistic children and caregivers during the intervention. No association in PA was observed within dyads at baseline, but moderate relationships were observed during the intervention.

Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the initial effectiveness of a virtual PA intervention for autistic children and their caregiver.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Child; Health; Health status; Parent; Physical activity.