Determinants of physical activity of transitioning adult children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Many young adults on the autism spectrum do not attain the recommended minimum weekly amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to prevent significant health risks. Autism symptoms as well as environmental factors may play a key role in the physical activity (PA) behaviors of young adults on the autism spectrum. The socioecological model (SEM) has been previously used to identify determinants of PA among people within many disability categories.

Explore the overall relationship between determinants of PA of MVPA among parents and their young adult child with ASD as well as MVPA determinants segmented by caregiver level of support.

336 parents of adult children with ASD completed the Determinants of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviors for Young Adults with ASD Scale.

Children's weekly time spent in MVPA was predicted by parent self-reported MVPA, exercise competency, video game use, social skills, and neighborhood qualities. Parent weekly time spent in MVPA was predicted by their child's weekly MVPA, parent exercise competency, parent discretionary time, available home exercise equipment, and parent attitude towards physical activity.

These results support the administration of quality community-based motor development, motor skills, and exercise skills programs focused on increasing physical activity and parent's influential role in their children's weekly MVPA.