Evaluating Exercise as Evidence-Based Practice for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
• Exercise Science
• Evidence-Based Practices

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects individuals aged 1-21 years.
• Exercise is increasingly explored as an intervention for ASD.
• Evaluating exercise as an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) requires rigorous scientific support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on exercise interventions for individuals with ASD (ages 1-21).
• To assess the empirical support for exercise as an EBP in ASD using the Adapted Physical Activity Taxonomy (APAT).

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of research published in the last 10 years across multiple databases.
• Inclusion criteria focused on exercise interventions for ASD and specific research designs (experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, single-subject, qualitative).
• Evaluation of 23 selected articles using the APAT for research quality and strength of evidence.

Main Results:

• Of 23 articles, 17 used experimental/quasi-experimental designs, 1 correlational, and 5 single-subject.
• Only one study met the moderate quality indicator (Level 2) on the APAT.
• A significant portion of studies had weak methods (57%) and results (74%) sections.

Conclusions:

• Exercise can be considered an EBP for school-aged children with ASD based on current findings.
• This conclusion relies on moderate evidence from a single, well-designed study.
• Further research with similar high-quality findings is needed to generalize recommendations.