The Effects of Physical Activity on Inappropriate Behaviors of School-Aged Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this synthesis was to examine the effects of physical activity on inappropriate behaviors of school-aged students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Inappropriate behaviors can include: hitting, biting, screaming, kicking and swearing. In particular the following research questions were examined: What types of inappropriate behaviors are exhibited by students with Autism Spectrum Disorder during physical activity? Does physical activity help to eliminate or reduce inappropriate behaviors of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder during physical activity? Which forms of physical activity have demonstrated the most effective ways to eliminate or reduce inappropriate behaviors of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder? Results indicated that school-aged students with Autism Spectrum Disorder have less stereotypical behaviors when they are in instructional based physical activity settings that are tailored to their specific needs.