PARENT-MEDIATED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse set of neurodevelopmental problems with restricted patterns of behavior, interests, and activities as well as difficulties in social interaction and communication (Calderoni, 2022). This condition has various manifestations and symptoms depending on the type, severity of the disease and individual characteristics. The most common signs of ASD include abnormal body language, facial expressions, gestures and lack of interest in games, communication with peers, performing specific tasks, as well as cognitive impairment in the coordination of limb movements and problems with understanding reversed speech, commands (Caronna et al., 2008 as cited Cai et al., 2017). However, despite the primary signs of cognitive impairment and communication, children with autism have a negative impact on physical status. Due to impaired social interactions and communication skills, children with autism have fewer opportunities to participate in physical activity and play with peers. They also tend to prefer passive activities, which makes them less active than their peers (Zhao & Chen, 2018). Accordingly, in order to break the vicious circle between cognitive impairment and insufficient physical status of children with autism, not only pedagogical, psychological behavioral correction is necessary, but also the introduction of adaptive physical activity. Physical activity has a significant impact on health and is crucial for children's healthy development because it can help them acquire social skills and appropriate behavior in public, which are crucial for developing a healthy lifestyle for the future. Speaking about children with developmental disorders, including children with autism, appropriate physical activity in the form of adaptive types of exercises, sports is important for harmonious development. At first glance, children with autism do not have pronounced motor impairments, such as children with cerebral palsy. Therefore, many parents focus on pedagogical and psychological support. However, children with cognitive impairments, problems in social, communication skills, speech defects, have an imbalance in their physical status, which can manifest as insufficient muscle tone and strength, imbalance, and impaired coordination. Therefore, an integrated approach that includes not only pedagogical, psychological studies, but also adaptive physical culture can have a significant positive effect on children with ASD