Researchers investigating how to increase participation in physical activity by autistic children and teens say key strategies include creating predictable routines, involving family members, and ensuring safe and sensory-friendly spaces.
Those were among 95 “facilitators” yielded by a review of previously published research on the subject. Autistic youth are less physically active than their peers, who are already not physically active enough, the researchers said, noting that physical activity could be beneficial to their physical, social, and emotional health.
In their work, the researchers took a strengths-based approach rather than focusing on a deficits-based one.
“This perspective reframes physical activity not as a challenge for autistic children and teenagers to overcome but as an opportunity for them to build confidence, enjoyment, and social connection,” said Mathieu Michaud, a PhD student in kinesiology and co-author of the paper.
“This research has practical implications for families, educators, coaches, and community organizations. For example, physical activity programs can be created and maintained based on what autistic children and teenagers enjoy and do well instead of focusing on what they cannot do,” Michaud added.
Mapped All Available Research
The work was conducted by the McGill Choices in Health, Action, Motivation, Pedagogy and Skills (CHAMPS) Physical Activity Lab, directed by professor William James Harvey, also a co-author of the paper.
The researchers systematically mapped all available research previously published on this topic using six major databases, screening nearly 20,000 entries and ultimately analyzing 43 studies that matched the inclusion criteria.
They then classified the 95 facilitators found during the review into six categories (based on a pre-established health promotion framework): individual, family, social, physical environment, and institutions, as well as community and public policy.
Predictable Routines, Safe Spaces
At the individual level, the review highlights how autistic children are more likely to participate in physical activity if they feel the movements required in the activity fit their skill set, or if it’s an activity they know well and takes the form of a game.
Other examples of positive factors, or facilitators, include supportive peers or good relationships with coaches at the social level, and after-school physical activity opportunities at the institutional level.
The team is already working on applying their research results in real-world settings by developing an intervention in which autistic teenagers select which factors matter most to them, information that then informs what activities are offered.
About the Study
“Facilitating Physical Activity Participation Among Autistic Children and Youth: A Scoping Review” by Mathieu Michaud and William J. Harvey was published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada and the Sport Participation Research Initiative.
About McGill University
Founded in 1821 in Montreal, QC, McGill is Canada’s top ranked medical doctoral university. It is a world-renowned institution of higher learning with 12 faculties, 14 professional schools, 700 programs of study, over 40,000 students, and research activities spanning three campuses. It attracts students from nearly 150 countries around the world, with international students making up 27% of the student body.
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