The role of physical activity in social and behavioral skills of children with autism spectrum disorder: a case-controlled study

Abstract

Objectives Despite the numerous benefits of regular participation in physical activities for health and social engagement, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who experience difficulties in social and behavioral skills are less likely to participate in physical activities compared to their peers. There is a need for more research on the impact of regular participation in physical activities on social and behavioral skills in children diagnosed with ASD. This study aimed to compare the social and behavioral skills of children diagnosed with ASD who participate in physical activity with those who do not. Methods The participants are parents of children diagnosed with ASD (n = 60). The study group (n = 30;12.33 ± 1.58 years) attended a rehabilitation center and a sports club, and the control group (n = 30; 12.57 ± 1.52 years) attended a rehabilitation center constituted two study groups. The Autism Behavior Checklist was used to assess the behavioral skills of children diagnosed with ASD aged 10–15, and the Social Skills Assessment Scale was used to evaluate their social skill levels based on their participation in physical activity. Results According to the analysis, statistically significant differences were found in the social skill scale and behavioral skills of children who participated in physical activity compared to those who did not. (p < .001). Additionally, the prediction of social skills’ behavior was examined by regression analysis. Accordingly, social skills predicted behaviors in the group participating in physical activity; it was found that it did not predict the group that did not participate in physical activity. Conclusions There was a difference between the behavioral and social skills of children diagnosed with ASD between the ages of 10–15 who do and do not participate in physical activity. This was an indication that physical activity was a positive aspect. It is recommended that future studies examine the effect of physical activity on children with autism more thoroughly.