Identifying the strategies and consequences of training sport activities to children with autism spectrum disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in sports management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Sports Management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

3 Department of Physical Education, Adib Mazandaran Institute of Higher Education

Abstract

the special conditions of children with autism spectrum disorder; they should benefit from exercising in their lives. Unfortunately, due to the unfamiliarity and the lack of suitable conditions, the ground to participate in sport activities for this group of people in the society is not well prepared. Therefore, the purpose of the current research is to identify strategies and express the consequences of teaching sports activities to children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: The present research carried out in 2023 via using a qualitative style based on a phenomenological approach and in the Collaizi method. Research Participants included: children with autistic disorder and their parents, sport instructors with the experience of working with autistic children, university faculty members in the psychology department, sport management, motor behavior, and autism therapists, from whom a sample of 17 people was selected. For the final validation of the research, the validity and reliability criteria were applied. Results: In the end, 87 final concepts were identified, including 7 main contents: motivational, environmental, individual, instructors’, communication, social, and parental awareness; and its consequences entail 5 main contents of motor, physical, psychological, behavioral and social development. Conclusion: The results of the research will help to plan the proper inclusion of sport programs in the daily schedule of children suffering from autism, and finally the improvement of the physical and mental condition of this group of people in the society will be achieved.

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