Parents' perceptions and concerns about physical activity participation among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
Susann Arnell, Kajsa Jerlinder, Lars-Olov Lundqvist
PMID 32713182WHAT IT FOUND
Parents describe promoting physical activity as an overwhelming burden.
They struggle to find activities that are predictable, meaningful and adaptable, often relying on rigorous planning and advocacy to manage their adolescent's anxiety and social difficulties.
Key findings
01Parents identified that adolescents with ASD often find physical activity difficult due to motor issues, social demands, and the unpredictable nature of activity contexts, rather than just the activity itself.
02The parental burden was the most frequently cited theme, involving extensive efforts to offer predictability through rigorous planning and to advocate for adapted participation.
03Parents reported a lack of resources and support, feeling that responsibility for promoting physical activity falls disproportionately on them rather than being shared with schools or health services.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was small (28 parents) and recruited via convenience sampling from a single center in Sweden, limiting generalizability. The sample was heavily skewed toward mothers (25 mothers vs 3 fathers), so findings may not reflect the paternal perspective. Only intellectual disability was excluded; other co-occurring conditions were not controlled for, which may influence perceptions of barriers. Data comes solely from parents' perspectives, not the adolescents themselves.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The research was financially supported by Region Örebro County, Sweden.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that specific interventions increase physical activity. This study describes the barriers and burdens parents face; it does not test or prove that any particular strategy improves outcomes.