ASD Social Swim Class

2023

Adolescence is the age when young Americans develop lifelong habits and perspectives on exercise and physical activities. Adolescents with Autism pursue physical activity at much lower rates than their peers, which is thought to contribute to the high rates of obesity, diabetes, and related health challenges experienced by older individuals with autism. Several attempts have been made to find types of physical activity that adolescents with autism enjoy and will continue to pursue as they grow older, but none of these has an established record of success. This pilot study will combine traditional swimming instruction with social activities to see if the combination helps to improve parents' and their children's enjoyment and interest in physical activities. It will follow up with them after one month to see if these improvements have been sustained. These initial results will directly inform a larger study that will attempt to pursue similar interventions on a larger scale, potentially benefitting adolescents with autism throughout the US.

autistic youth, physical activity, social activity

Performing Research or Evaluation, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services

Health-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Specific Groups

Single-County

N/A