The Quality of Life of People Living With ASD Through Physical Activity and Sports

Abstract

Among the factors that influence the quality of life of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), physical activity and sport are key dimensions of physical wellbeing. Few studies take account of the perspectives of people with ASD, in order to understand the scope of physical wellbeing and their subjective perception regarding it. The preparation of a system of quality of life indicators that refer to physical activity and sport for people with ASD and its analysis is the objective of this study, setting guidelines for improvement. A study is conducted with a sample of 276 people, professionals (n=143), family members (n=73), and people with ASD (n=60). The research team employed a mixed methodology with qualitative and quantitative techniques in the collection of the information. They adapted three questionnaires to guide the interviews and they applied them too in the design of the protocols for the focus groups. Subsequently, the research team analyzed the information collected in the focus groups using a DELPHI method. A system for encoding the responses and for their qualitative analysis is also prepared for data-analysis purposes. The results concluded with the elaboration of a system of qualify-of life indicators related to the dimension of physical wellbeing, as well as guidelines and proposals that agglutinate the perspectives of people with ASD regarding the sport and physical activity practice. There is a need to increase sports practice within people with ASD, with the aim to promote their health, social participation and personal satisfaction. Funding Information: None to declare. Declaration of Interests: None to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: All the participants signed documents regarding informed consent participation, protection of personal data and confidentiality.