Parents’ Perspectives of Physical Activity in Their Adult Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Social-Ecological Approach

in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Click name to view affiliation

Alice M. Buchanan Auburn University

Search for other papers by Alice M. Buchanan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Benjamin Miedema Auburn University

Search for other papers by Benjamin Miedema in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
, and
Georgia C. Frey Indiana University

Search for other papers by Georgia C. Frey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2016-0099
Keywords:
benefits of physical activity; physical activity and support; qualitative inquiry
In Print:
Volume 34: Issue 4
Page Range:
401–420
Restricted access

The purpose of this study was to investigate parent perceptions of the physical activity (PA) engagement of their adult children with autism spectrum disorders. The theoretical framework used in this study was social ecology. Participants were nine parents from families with one adult child with autism spectrum disorder whose ages ranged from 18 to 42. Using phenomenological interviews, which explored parents’ life experience and meaning making, four themes were generated: supports and advocacy for PA, engaging in PA independently, benefits of PA, and barriers to or reasons for disengaging in particular activities. Parents’ interview comments showed that intrapersonal factors, interpersonal relationships, and community factors were essential for keeping the individuals with autism spectrum disorder engaged in PA. Families and practitioners can take advantage of that by seeking PA opportunities in community settings or with other individuals.

Buchanan and Miedema are with the School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL. Frey is with the Dept. of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

Address author correspondence to Alice M. Buchanan at buchaa2@auburn.edu.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Cover Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development (1st ed.). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

  • Cassidy, S., Hannant, P., Tavassoli, T., Allison, C., Smith, P., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2016). Dyspraxia and autistic traits in adults with and without autism spectrum conditions. Molecular Autism, 7(48), 2–6. PubMed doi:10.1186/s13229-016-0112-x

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Conroy, M., Boyd, B., Asmus, J.M., & Madera, D. (2007). A functional approach for ameliorating social skills deficits in young children with autism spectrum disorders. Infants & Young Children, 20(3), 242–254. doi:10.1097/01.IYC.0000277755.93313.7d

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Eaves, L.C., & Ho, H.H. (2008). Young adult outcome of autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(4), 739–747. PubMed doi:10.1007/s10803-007-0441-x

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Esposito, P.E., Macdonald, M., Hornyak, J.E., & Ulrich, D.A. (2012). Physical activity patterns of youth with down syndrome. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 50(2), 109–119. PubMed doi:10.1352/1934-9556-50.2.109

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Finlay, W.M.L., & Lyons, E. (2001). Methodological issues in interviewing and using self-report questionnaires with people with mental retardation. Psychological Assessment, 13, 319–335. PubMed doi:10.1037//1040-3590.13.3.319

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fleury, J., & Lee, S. (2006). The social ecological model and physical activity in African American women. American Journal of Community Psychology, 37(1–2), 129–140. PubMed doi:10.1007/s10464-005-9002-7

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Frey, G.C., Buchanan, A.M., & Rosser-Sandt, D.D. (2005). “I'd Rather Watch TV”: An examination of physical activity in adults with mental retardation. Mental Retardation, 43(4), 241–254.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hewitt, A.S., Stancliffe, R.J., Hall-Lande, J., Nord, D., Pettingell, S.L., Hamre, K., & Hallas-Muchow, L. (2017). Characteristics of adults with autism spectrum disorder who use residential services and supports through adult developmental disability services in the United States. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 34, 1–9. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2016.11.007

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hillier, A., Murphy, D., & Ferrara, C. (2011). A pilot study: Short-term reduction in salivary cortisol following low level physical exercise and relaxation among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Stress & Health, 27(5), 395–402. doi:10.1002/smi.1391

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Holfelder, B., & Schott, N. (2014). Relationship of fundamental movement skills and physical activity in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 15, 382–391. doi:10.1123/apaq.2013-0048

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Howlin, P., & Moss, P. (2012). Adults with autism spectrum disorders. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 57(5), 275–283. PubMed doi:10.1177/070674371205700502

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Howlin, P., & Taylor, J.L. (2015). Addressing the need for high quality research on autism in adulthood. Autism, 19(7), 771–773. PubMed doi:10.1177/1362361315595582

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • King, G., Law, M., King, S., Rosenbaum, P, Kertoy, M.K., & Young, N.L. (2003). A conceptual model of the factors affecting the recreation and leisure participation of children with disabilities. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 23(1), 63–90. PubMed doi:10.1080/J006v23n01_05

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lang, R., Koegel, L.K., Ashbaugh, K., Regester, A., Ence, W., & Smith, W. (2010). Research in autism spectrum disorders physical exercise and individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4(4), 565–576. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2010.01.006

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lincoln, Y.S., & Guba, E.G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications.

  • Liu, T., & Breslin, C.M. (2013). Fine and gross motor performance of the MABC-2 by children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 7(10), 1244–1249.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lloyd, M., Saunders, T.J., Bremer, E., & Tremblay, M.S. (2014). Long-term importance of fundamental motor skills: A 20-year follow up. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 31, 67–78. PubMed doi:10.1123/apaq.2013-0048

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lounsbury, D., & Mitchell, S. (2009). Introduction to special issue on social ecological approaches to community health research and action. American Journal of Community Psychology, 44(3–4), 213–220. doi:10.1007/s10464-009-9266-4

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Macdonald, M., Esposito, P., & Ulrich, D. (2011). The physical activity patterns of children with autism. BMC Research Notes, 4(1), 422. PubMed doi:10.1186/1756-0500-4-422

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • McElroy, M. (2002). Resistance to exercise: A social analysis of inactivity. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

  • McLeroy, K.R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, A. (1988). An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15, 351–377. PubMed

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mordal-Moen, K., & Green, K. (2014). Neither shaking nor stirring: A case study of reflexivity in Norwegian physical education teacher education. Sport, Education and Society, 19(4), 415–434. doi:10.1080/13573322.2012.670114

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Must, A., Phillips, S., Curtin, C., & Bandini, L.G. (2015). Barriers to physical activity in children with autism spectrum disorders: Relationship to physical activity and screen time. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 12, 529–534. PubMed doi:10.1123/jpah.2013-0271

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Obrusnikova, I., & Miccinello, D.L. (2012). Parent perceptions of factors influencing after-school physical activity of children with autism spectrum disorders. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 29(1), 63–80. PubMed

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Orsmond, G.I., Shattuck, P.T., Cooper, B.P., Sterzing, P.R., & Anderson, K.A. (2013). Social participation among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(11), 2710–2719. PubMed doi:10.1007/s10803-013-1833-8

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pan, C.-Y., & Frey, G.C. (2006). Physical activity patterns in youth with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(5), 597–606. PubMed doi:10.1007/s10803-006-0101-6

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sallis, J.F., Bauman, A., & Pratt, M. (1998). Environmental and policy interventions to promote physical activity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 15(4), 379–397. PubMed doi:10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00076-2

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sallis, J.F., Owen, N., & Fisher, E.B. (2008). Ecological models of health behavior. In K. Glanz, B.R. Rimer, & K. Viswanath (Eds.), Health behavior and health education: Theory, research, and practice (4th ed., pp. 465–485). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-116-4-350_1

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Schall, C., Wehman, P., & Carr, S. (2014). Transition from high school to adulthood for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. In F. Volkmar, B. Reichow, & J. McPartland (Eds.), Adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders (pp. 41–60). New York, NY: Springer. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-0506-5

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Shattuck, P.T., Wagner, M., Narendorf, S., Sterzing, P., & Hensley, M. (2011). Post-high school service use among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Archives of Pediatrics, 165(2), 141–146. PubMed doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2010.279

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sheldrick, R., Neger, E., Shipman, D., & Perrin, E. (2012). Quality of life of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Concordance among adolescents’ self-reports, parents’ reports, and parents’ proxy reports. Quality of Life Research, 21(1), 53–57. PubMed doi:10.1007/s11136-011-9916-5

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sorensen, C., & Zarrett, N. (2014). Benefits of physical activity for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: A comprehensive review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental  Disorders, 1(4), 344–353. doi:10.1007/s40489-014-0027-4

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sparkes, A.C., & Smith, B. (2014). Qualitative research methods in sport, exercise and health: From product to process. New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stanish, H., Curtin, C., Must, A., Phillips, S., Maslin, M., & Bandini, L. (2015). Enjoyment, barriers, and beliefs about physical activity in adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 32, 302–317. doi:10.1123/APAQ.2015-0038

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stringer, E.T. (2004). Action research in education. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

  • Taliaferro, A.R., & Hammond, L. (2016). “I don’t have time”: Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for adults with intellectual disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 33(2), 113–133. PubMed doi:10.1123/APAQ.2015-0050

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Temple, V., Frey, G., & Stanish, H. (2006). Physical activity of adults with mental retardation: Review and research needs. American Journal of Health, 21(1), 2. PubMed

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Troiano, R.P., Berrigani, D., Dodd, K.W., Masse, L.C., Tilert, T., & Mcdowell, M. (2008). Physical activity in the United States measured by accelerometer. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(1), 181–188. PubMed doi:l0.l249/mss.0b013e31815a5lb3

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Trost, S.G., Sallis, J.F., Pate, R.R., Freedson, P.S., Taylor, W.C., & Dowda, M. (2003). Evaluating a model of parental influence on youth physical activity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 25(4), 277–282. PubMed doi:10.1016/S0749-3797(03)00217-4

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tyler, C.V, Schramm, S.C., Karafa, M., & Tang, A.S. (2011). Chronic disease risks in young adults with autism spectrum disorder: Forewarned is forearmed. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 116(5), 371–380. PubMed doi:10.1352/1944-7558-116.5.371

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Warren, Z., Taylor, J.L., McPheeters, M.L., Worley, K., & Veenstra-Vander Weele, J. (2012). Future research needs: Interventions for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: Identification of future research needs from comparative effectiveness review no. 65. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 5410 1091 43
Full Text Views 293 140 8
PDF Downloads 152 40 5