Introduction
Physical activity (PA) is known to have many positive effects on health and well-being, but it can be challenging for autistic people to engage in PA regularly. What are the factors that motivate or hinder autistic people to be physically active? How do their views differ from those of non-autistic people? A recent study explored these questions using a theoretical framework called COM-B, which stands for Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation – Behaviour.
What is COM-B?
COM-B is a model that explains how human behaviour is influenced by three components: capability, opportunity, and motivation. Capability refers to the physical and psychological skills and abilities that enable a person to perform a behaviour. Opportunity refers to the external factors that prompt or enable a behaviour, such as social norms, environmental cues, or resources. Motivation refers to the internal factors that drive or inhibit a behaviour, such as beliefs, emotions, or habits.
What did the study do?
The study involved 20 autistic adults and 20 non-autistic adults who were matched by age, gender, and PA level. The participants were interviewed about their experiences and views on PA, and their responses were analysed using the COM-B framework. The study aimed to identify the similarities and differences between the two groups in terms of their PA drivers and barriers, and to provide recommendations for promoting PA among autistic people.
What did the study find?
The study found that both groups shared some common PA drivers and barriers, such as health benefits, enjoyment, social support, time constraints, and weather. However, there were also some notable differences between the groups, especially in terms of their capability and motivation components. For example, autistic people reported more challenges with sensory processing, motor coordination, executive functioning, and self-regulation, which affected their capability to engage in PA. They also expressed more negative emotions, such as anxiety, frustration, and boredom, which affected their motivation to engage in PA. On the other hand, non-autistic people reported more positive emotions, such as confidence, pride, and satisfaction, which enhanced their motivation to engage in PA.
What are the implications of the study?
The study suggests that PA interventions for autistic people should be tailored to their specific needs and preferences, and should address the factors that influence their capability, opportunity, and motivation to be physically active. Some of the recommendations from the study include:
- Providing sensory-friendly and accessible PA environments and equipment
- Offering individualized and flexible PA options and goals
- Incorporating special interests and hobbies into PA
- Providing clear and consistent instructions and feedback
- Enhancing self-efficacy and self-esteem through PA
- Fostering positive social interactions and support through PA
The study also highlights the importance of involving autistic people in the design and delivery of PA interventions, and of respecting their autonomy and choices regarding PA.
Conclusion
PA can be beneficial for autistic people, but it can also be challenging for them to engage in it regularly. A qualitative study by Buchanan et al. used the COM-B framework to explore the factors that motivate or hinder autistic people to be physically active, and to compare them with those of non-autistic people. The study found that both groups shared some common PA drivers and barriers, but also had some distinct differences, especially in terms of their capability and motivation components. The study provided some recommendations for promoting PA among autistic people, and emphasized the need for personalized and participatory PA interventions.
FAQ: Physical Activity and Autism
What is physical activity (PA)?
Physical activity (PA) is any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure, such as walking, running, playing, dancing, or doing household chores. PA can be classified into different types and intensities, depending on the purpose, duration, and frequency of the activity.
Why is PA important for autistic people?
PA is important for everyone, as it has many benefits for physical and mental health and well-being. For autistic people, PA can also help with:
- Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
- Improving mood, self-esteem, and quality of life
- Enhancing social skills, communication, and interaction
- Developing motor skills, coordination, and balance
- Preventing obesity and related health problems
- Supporting cognitive functioning and learning
How much PA should autistic people do?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children and adolescents aged 5-17 years should do at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA daily, and that adults aged 18 and above should do at least 150 minutes of moderate PA or 75 minutes of vigorous PA weekly. However, these are general guidelines, and the amount and type of PA that is suitable for each autistic person may vary depending on their age, abilities, preferences, and goals. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a health professional, such as a doctor, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist, before starting a PA program.
What are some barriers to PA for autistic people?
Autistic people may face some unique challenges to engaging in PA regularly, such as:
- Sensory issues, such as being sensitive to noise, light, touch, or temperature
- Motor issues, such as having difficulty with coordination, balance, or planning
- Executive function issues, such as having trouble with organizing, prioritizing, or switching tasks
- Social issues, such as feeling uncomfortable, anxious, or isolated in group settings
- Motivational issues, such as lacking interest, enjoyment, or confidence in PA
- Environmental issues, such as having limited access, resources, or support for PA
How can these barriers be overcome?
There are some strategies that can help autistic people overcome the barriers to PA and enjoy the benefits of being physically active, such as:
- Providing sensory-friendly and accessible PA environments and equipment, such as quiet, spacious, and well-lit spaces, comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear, and personalized and adaptable PA devices and tools
- Offering individualized and flexible PA options and goals, such as allowing the person to choose the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of PA that suits their needs and preferences, and setting realistic, achievable, and measurable PA objectives and rewards
- Incorporating special interests and hobbies into PA, such as using music, games, stories, or themes that the person likes or is curious about, and making PA fun, engaging, and meaningful
- Providing clear and consistent instructions and feedback, such as using visual, verbal, or tactile cues, demonstrations, or prompts to guide the person through the PA, and giving positive and constructive feedback and reinforcement to encourage and support the person’s PA efforts and achievements
- Enhancing self-efficacy and self-esteem through PA, such as helping the person develop their PA skills and abilities, and celebrating their PA progress and accomplishments
- Fostering positive social interactions and support through PA, such as involving the person’s family, friends, peers, or mentors in the PA, and creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive PA community and culture
What are some examples of physical activities that are suitable for autistic people?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different autistic people may have different preferences, abilities, and goals for physical activity. However, some general guidelines are to choose physical activities that:
- Are enjoyable and meaningful for the person
- Match the person’s physical and cognitive level
- Allow the person to have some control and choice
- Provide clear and consistent structure and feedback
- Incorporate the person’s special interests and hobbies
- Adapt to the person’s sensory and environmental needs
- Involve positive social interaction and support
Some examples of physical activities that may meet these criteria are:
- Swimming
- Biking
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Martial arts
- Dancing
- Gardening
- Bowling
- Playing with a pet
- Playing video games that involve movement
How can I encourage and support an autistic person to be physically active?
There are some strategies that can help you encourage and support an autistic person to be physically active, such as:
- Being a role model and a partner for physical activity
- Providing praise and reinforcement for physical activity efforts and achievements
- Creating a routine and a schedule for physical activity
- Using visual aids and cues to facilitate physical activity
- Breaking down physical activity into small and manageable steps
- Offering choices and options for physical activity
- Making physical activity fun and engaging
- Addressing any barriers or challenges to physical activity
- Seeking professional guidance and resources for physical activity
What are some benefits of physical activity for autistic people?
Physical activity can have many benefits for autistic people, such as:
- Improving physical health and fitness
- Reducing the risk of obesity and related health problems
- Enhancing mental health and well-being
- Alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression
- Boosting mood, self-esteem, and quality of life
- Developing social skills, communication, and interaction
- Supporting cognitive functioning and learning
- Increasing attention span and focus
- Reducing repetitive and challenging behaviors
- Promoting independence and self-determination
Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946724000060