Hobby preferences and physical activity participation among children with and without autism spectrum disorder

Author

Scott M. Russell, Humboldt State UniversityFollow

Graduation Date

Spring 2018

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Master of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology, option Teaching/Coaching

Committee Chair Name

Sean Healy

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Second Committee Member Name

Rock Braithwaite

Second Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Third Committee Member Name

Christopher Hopper

Third Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Autism, ASD, Hobby preference, Physical activity, Participation, Activity preference

Subject Categories

Kinesiology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit low physical activity levels and are at an increased risk for health problems related to sedentary behaviors. Hobby preferences have been shown to influence physical activity participation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the hobby preferences of children with ASD and determine if there are differences depending on the children’s physical activity level and the nature of their preferred activities. A secondary purpose is to describe the hobby preferences of children with ASD. METHODS: Participants include 98 nine-year-old children (with and without ASD) from the National Growing up in Ireland Study. A number of questions adapted from the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire were utilized to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and hobby preferences. RESULTS: Chi-square, T-test and ANOVA analysis indicated children with ASD are less active than their TD peers, less likely to prefer active hobbies, and lastly, children with ASD were less active than their TD peers regardless of hobby preference type. CONCLUSION: This study provides frequency data on the hobby preferences of children with ASD. The study also provides further evidence of the need for interventions tailored to the hobby preferences of this population.

Citation Style

APA

Recommended Citation

Russell, Scott M., "Hobby preferences and physical activity participation among children with and without autism spectrum disorder" (2018). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 152.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/152