Effects of an inclusive physical activity program on the motor skills, social skills and attitudes of students with and without autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of an inclusive physical activity (IPA) program on the motor and social skills and attitudes of students with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study sample consisted of 45 ASD and typical development (TD) students aged between 6 and 11 years. The students were randomly divided into two groups: a training group consisting of 27 students (n = 13 with ASD and n = 14 with TD) and a control group consisting of 18 students (n = 9 with ASD and n = 9 with TD). In conclusion, the IPA program increased the motor and social skills of the ASD students and improved the motor skills of the TD students and positively affected their attitudes towards the ASD students.