Physical exercise has shown the potential to reduce stereotypic behaviors. The current investigation conducted three meta-analyses on the effects of physical exercise on stereotypic behaviors in individuals with autism. Study 1 produced four aggregate score studies (n = 54) that included nine effect sizes ranging from d = -0.85 to 0.31. Study 1…

Studies have reported that physical exercise reduces maladaptive stereotyped motor behaviours (SMB) in children with ASD, but these intervention studies vary in design and outcome. The present systematic review and meta-analysis included 22 studies, involving 274 children with ASD, to quantify the effect of exercise on SMB and its potential…

Are Autism Quotient (AQ) scores related to executive functioning (EF)? We sampled 200 students of normal intelligence and examined the relationship between AQ scores and: (a) 5 self-ratings of EF, (b) 5 performance-based measures of EF, and (c) 5 types of activities or experiences that are assumed to recruit EF and sometimes enhance EF. Our…

Problems with emotion regulation and behavior are often reported in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This pilot study examined the effect of physical exercise on emotion regulation and behavioral functioning in children with ASD. Twenty-seven children aged 8-12 years were randomized into either an exercise intervention group (n = 15)…

The present study aimed to compare the effect of a land-based and a swimming-based exercise program on balance abilities in children with autism. Thirty children were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to karate exercise, aquatic training and control groups. Participants practiced for 10 weeks, 2 sessions of 60 min per week. Before and…

Purpose: This study examined the test-retest reliability and feasibility of select fitness assessments in 7-12 year old children on the autism spectrum. Method: Participants (N = 14; n = 1 female; Mage = 9.5 ± 1.7 years) completed 7 fitness assessments, administered in a random order, on two occasions--Bruce protocol; Modified 6-minute walk test…

A multiple-baseline across-subjects design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a video-modeling intervention delivered on an iPod Touch to teach three high school students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or intellectual disability to complete workouts independently at the local community fitness center. Individualized workout routines…

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit from physical activity interventions. This study synthesized 14 single-case design (SCD) studies on interventions involving physical activities for individuals with ASD. The study evaluated the methodological quality of the reviewed studies by using What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) design…

Considerable evidence has shown that physical exercise could be an effective treatment in reducing stereotypical autism spectrum disorder (ASD) behaviors in children. The present study seeks to examine the underlying mechanism by considering the theoretical operant nature of stereotypy. Children with ASD (n = 30) who exhibited hand-flapping and…

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder in which individuals experience deficits in communication, restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, as well as social interaction and reciprocity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For adolescents with autism, anxiety often interferes with these symptoms making them…

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in less physical activity (PA) than peers without disabilities which may impact long-term health (Srinivasan et al., 2014). Previous research found people with ASD identified freedom of choice (e.g., choice of PA) as an important factor that influences PA habits (Arnell et al., 2018). The purpose…

Purpose: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability (ID) exhibit social and motor impairments and circumscribed interests/behaviors that contribute to lower physical activity (PA) levels. Despite the need for exercise interventions for these children, there is a dearth of evidence-based treatments. This study…

The population aging on the Autism Spectrum (AS) faces disproportionate physical and mental health comorbidities. This research describes self-care practices, including physical activity (PA), nutrition, and spirituality, and the impact of these practices on the health and well-being of older adults on the AS. Researchers conducted semi-structured…

App-based technologies that utilize video-modeling components are an area that can increase the independence of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in community settings; however, less is known about their impact in facilitating acquisition of physical activity (PA) skills in inclusive community fitness sites. It is important to consider…

Piece it Together (PIT) is a comprehensive wellness program designed for transitional age youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and mild neurodevelopmental disabilities that focuses on exercise, nutrition, socialization, and stress-reduction. The PIT Summer Program is a 6-week program, consisting of 90-min classes, twice a week. Each class…