Several recent studies have shown that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are less physically active than their typically developing peers and are thus at risk of health problems associated with inactivity (e.g., obesity or diabetes). There is a need to examine the effectiveness of interventions such as swimming that are aimed at…

This article describes the community sailing program established by the Wilmette Park District, in suburban Chicago. This program, without losing money, provides affordable instruction and other services to beginning sailors of various ages. (IAH)

Needs assessment questionnaires were sent to both social service providers and consumers in Contra Costa County, California. This project was designed with three purposes in mind: to determine the level and gaps in services provision for children in the county; to compare consumer and provider perceptions of children's services in the county; and…

If a recreation program is to serve all the children in a community, creative alternatives must be provided for the children interested in both people and activity, yet disinterested in competitive sports. (MM)

The quality of untrained adult leadership is a critical determinant of whether organized athletic competition for children outside of school is beneficial or detrimental. Physical educators have an obligation to become involved directly or indirectly as providers of coaching education for volunteers or by facilitating the development of youth…

The Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale was administered to 224 third- and fourth-grade boys, before and after five weeks of participation or nonparticipation in recreation-league team sports. Pretest scores indicated significant differences in favor of participants, while posttest scores showed no significant differences resulting from the…

Including individuals with disabilities into community recreation programs has become more popular recently. The ADA stresses the need for true inclusion, where people with disabilities can actively participate and interact in programs in a meaningful way. The paper describes two special programs that help include individuals with disabilities.…

In this study, the researchers aim to compare the personal attributes and experiences of children who met or exceeded physical activity guidelines with those who did not. By creating profiles, the researchers could compare motor performance, physical fitness, self-efficacy, time spent outdoors during physical activity, social support from friends…

Playgrounds should be diverse and flexible so that children have many different opportunities for natural, creative play. Equipment should encourage group activities, challenge children at different levels of development, and enhance physical fitness. Such playgrounds could receive enthusiastic public support. (PP)

Describes an arts and crafts program initiated at Hayden House, a low-income, racially integrated housing development in Phoenix, Arizona. The program, designed to promote pride and community cohesion, presented workshops and cultural events for both children and adults. This article is part of a theme issue on multicultural art. (SJL)

The Hobman Clubs are intergenerational sports and leisure clubs that were started in several cities in the United Kingdom with funding from the David Hobman Charitable Trust. Since 1988, Hobman Clubs have provided a model for conducting intergenerational community activities in secondary school facilities when no school activities are taking…

Describes Green Chimneys School, a New York multi-service residential agency for emotionally disturbed children and their families. Describes how Green Chimneys opens its campus to the community with help from an advisory board. Notes advantages of community involvement and addresses 13 issues that can arise with community involvement. (SB)

Nine articles discuss therapeutic recreation, focusing on community reintegration, social skills training in mental illness, computer links for social service providers, approaches to professional preparation, assistive technology, play environments, self-esteem in adult clients, volunteers, and recreation and music therapy for sexually abused…

IN A DISCUSSION OF RECREATION AND MENTAL RETARDATION, RECREATION AND ITS ROLE IN PROVIDING ENJOYMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES TO LET OFF STEAM, RESOLVE CONFLICTS, AND IMPROVE FEELINGS OF PERSONAL WORTH ARE DEFINED. THE IMPORTANCE OF RECREATION IN PREVENTING MOTOR RETARDATION AND PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPAIRMENTS IN THE MENTALLY RETARDED IS…

This updated book provides a collection of longitudinal perspectives on experiences of individuals with Down Syndrome, from birth to adulthood. The book is an outgrowth of a federally funded early intervention study called Project EDGE (Expanding Developmental Growth through Education). Contents cover the following topics: historical review of…