THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES ON SELECTED PROBLEM BEHAVIORS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

The purpose of this present study was to investigate the effects of physical activities on selected problem behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorders. The study assigned twenty school aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from a special school andwere randomly divided into physical activity group (n=10) and control groups (n=10). A total sixteen participants were completed the study with regularity. For the experimental group structured physical activity interventions were implemented for 12 weeks with the regular scheduled program, while participants of control group received their regular special school activities and interventions only without any physical exercises. The assessments on selected problem behaviors of Autism Spectrum Disorder participants were done at baseline and post-intervention (after 12 weeks). Results of the study revealed that regular physical activity participation for 12 weeks decreasedselected problem behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder but that were not significant.