Overcoming Barriers on Including of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Physical Education

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability that affects one in 68 children. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) states that students with disabilities should have equal opportunities in an educational environment including physical education. Undergraduate students in physical education preparation programs and in-service teachers lack the knowledge and experiences needed to teach inclusive physical education. Students with ASD face issues related to individual challenges, peer interactions and exclusion. In order for students with ASD to be successful in inclusive physical education it is essential that physical education teachers are highly qualified, and understand the barriers that students with ASD face and how to overcome them. The purpose of this synthesis project is to review the literature on overcoming barriers on including of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in physical education.