Abstract:

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience difficulties with communication, social interaction, and motor skills that can lead to social isolation. Although physical activity (PA) has been identified as an evidence-based practice for this population and may improve social, physical fitness, and gross motor outcomes, limited research has examined its specific effects on social interactions. This study employed an alternating treatment design, replicated across four adolescents with ASD, to compare the effects of soccer instruction versus fitness instruction on social interactions and PA levels.

Outcomes were assessed through:
(a) frequency of spontaneous initiations and responses to peers and coaches, and
(b) percentage of time spent in light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during each condition.

Visual analysis and descriptive statistics revealed no experimental control for spontaneous initiations or responses in either intervention. However, experimental control was established for LPA levels during soccer for one participant and for MVPA levels during fitness instruction for another participant. Participant and parent surveys indicated high social validity. These findings inform practice with adolescents with ASD and suggest directions for future research on PA-based social interventions.

Keywords:

Autism, physical activity, socialization.