Sports and the Spectrum
Volume 2, Issue 3 ~ March, 2007
Current Autism Research
Research on Sports and Physical Fitness
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About the "Current Autism Research" feature:
"Current Autism Research" lists articles about autism that have been recently published. To read these articles, subscriptions to the journals in which they are published can be purchased. However, this can become expensive, and another way to obtain these articles is through local college and university libraries. Many of these libraries contain a section entitled, "Periodicals," or something similar, and the journals may be found there in alphabetical order. Often, copies can be made, or you can simply read the journal at the library and take notes. This is a great way for parents, teachers, families, and others to stay current on trends in autism research, and may help you discover new strategies for home, school, or community goals. Note: A listing of research here does not imply an endorsement of the methods or procedures by Positively Autism. Please thoroughly research any program or method that you are considering, obtaining any necessary help from professionals familiar with your situation. Title: "Increasing Physical Activity in Individuals With Autism" Author(s): Teri Todd and Greg Reid Journal: Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities Issue: Fall 2006 (Volume 21, Issue 3) Author's Summary: This study investigated the outcomes of an intervention package on participation in two physical activities: snowshoeing and walking/jogging. Three male secondary school students who had been diagnosed with autism and were attending a school for students with intellectual disabilities participated in a 6-month outdoor physical activity program. The authors used a changing conditions design; the program was divided into six phases by the amount of edible reinforcers provided during sessions. A self-monitoring board, verbal cuing, and edible reinforcers were used in the study. Distance snowshoed, walked, and jogged per 30-min session increased as edible and verbal reinforcement decreased. The results suggest that interventions can be developed to promote sustained participation in physical activity for individuals with autism. Title: "Effects of Swimming Training on Physical Fitness and Water Orientation in Autism" Author(s): Ilker Yilmaz, Mehmet Yanardag, Bünyamin Birkan, Gonca Bumin Journal: Pediatrics International Issue: October 2004 (Volume 46, Issue 5) Author's Summary: Discusses a study which analyzed the effects of water exercises and swimming on the motor performance and physical fitness of an autistic child. Clinical presentation of the child; Medical tests administered to the child; Significance of water exercises to the physical health of the child. Title: "Successful Physical Activity Programming for Students with Autism" Author(s): Susan F. Schultheis, Boni B. Boswell, Jim Decker Journal: Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities Issue: Fall 2000 (Volume 15, Issue 3) Author's Summary: The purpose of this article is to describe a successful physical activity program for students with autism. The content of this program, known as Success in Physical Activity, focuses on two areas: physical fitness and motor ability. Development of this activity program was based on adaptations of the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communications-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) recreational structure program. The TEACCH recreational structure program includes the following elements: physical structure, schedules, and task organization. Each element is modified to adhere to the physical education environment and to accommodate the unique characteristics and preferences of students with autism. |
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