Physical activity correlates for children with autism spectrum disorders in middle school physical education

This study examined potential correlates that might influence physical activity (PA) of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in physical education. Students with (n = 19) and without (n = 76) ASD wore an accelerometer during physical education. Data were collected in 38 physical education lessons. The results showed that (a) students with ASD were less physically active than their peers, (b) their PA was related positively to their social interaction with peers, and (c) their moderate to vigorous PA depended on PA content, physical environment, and instructor-related characteristics. The findings suggest a need for additional studies on the relationship between the needs of adolescents with ASD and the content offered in physical education so as to inform school policies and help to remove barriers to promoting PA among this population.