The quality of life of people with ASD through physical activity and sports

Abstract

Among the factors that influence the quality of life of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), physical activity and sport are key dimensions of physical well-being. Few studies take into account the perspectives of people with ASD in order to understand the extent of physical well-being and their subjective perception of it. The development of a system of quality of life indicators related to physical activity and sport for people with ASD and their analysis is the aim of this study, providing guidelines for improvement. A study was carried out with a sample of 276 people, professionals (n = 143), family members (n = 73) and people with ASD (n = 60). The people with ASD in the sample belonged to three age categories: children aged 8–12 years, adolescents aged 12–18 years and adults over 18 years. The research team used a qualitative methodology in the collection of information. They adapted three questionnaires, with validated quality of life scales, to guide the interviews and also applied them in the design of the focus group protocols. Subsequently, the research team analysed the information collected in the focus groups with families and professionals using a DELPHI method. A system for coding the responses and qualitative analysis of the responses was also prepared for the analysis of the data by the research team. Finally, the information obtained was compared with a group of representative experts. The results concluded with the elaboration of a system of quality of life indicators related to the dimension of physical well-being, as well as guidelines and proposals that bring together the perspectives of people with ASD in relation to the practice of sport and physical activity. There is a need to increase the practice of sport among people with ASD in order to promote their health, social participation and personal satisfaction. It is concluded that it is not possible to obtain a broad picture of the quality of life of people with ASD and their families due to lack of information. However, the method and the results obtained represent a first approach at national level to increase knowledge about the quality of life of people with ASD.