The Effect of Physical Activity on Quality of Life in a Person with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Case Study

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of various physical activities on the quality of life of an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The study was designed as a case study to examine the changes in the quality of life of a 7-year-old individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through a physical activity program. The study spanned two years, and a structured, comprehensive training program was implemented to support the individual's physical and mental health. At the beginning of the study, the Gilliam Autistic Disorder Rating Scale-2 (GADS-2-TV), developed by Gilliam (1995) for screening and diagnosing individuals with autism, determining behavioral progress, and collecting data for scientific research, was administered. It consists of three subscales: Stereotypic Behaviors (14 items), Communication (14 items), and Social Interaction (14 items), totaling 42 items. This scale was administered five times throughout the study. The study found that the first measurement resulted in a Stereotyped Behavior Standard Score of 18, a Social Interaction Standard Score of 15, and an Autistic Disorder Index Standard Score of 132. The fifth measurement resulted in a Stereotyped Behavior Standard Score of 13, a Social Interaction Standard Score of 12, and an Autistic Disorder Index Standard Score of 110. In conclusion, this case study demonstrates that high-intensity physical activity can lead to significant improvements in both measurable scores and daily living behaviors in individuals with ASD.

Keywords

• Autism
• ASD
• Exercise
• Physical Activity

Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu Olan Bir Kişide Fiziksel Aktivitenin Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi - Vaka Çalışması

Abstract

Bu araştırmada, otizm spektrum bozukluğu tanısı konmuş bir bireyde çeşitli fiziksel aktivitelerin yaşam kalitesi üzerindeki etkilerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB) tanısı almış 7 yaşındaki bir kişinin yaşam kalitesinde fiziksel aktivite programı aracılığıyla sağlanan değişiklikleri incelemek amacıyla vaka çalışması olarak tasarlanmıştır. Çalışma süresi iki yıl olup, bireyin fiziksel ve zihinsel sağlığını desteklemeye yönelik yapılandırılmış, kapsamlı bir antrenman programı uygulanmıştır. Araştırmanın başında Gilliam (1995) tarafından otistik bozukluk gösteren bireylere yönelik tarama ve tanılama, davranışsal ilerlemeyi belirleme ve bilimsel araştırmalar için veri toplama amacıyla geliştirilmiş Gilliam Otistik Bozukluk Derecelendirme Ölçeği-2 (GOBDÖ-2-TV) uygulanmıştır. Stereotipik Davranışlar (14 madde), İletişim (14 madde) ve Sosyal Etkileşim (14 madde) olmak üzere toplamda 42 maddeden oluşan üç alt ölçekten oluşmaktadır. Bu ölçek araştırma süreci boyunca toplamda 5 kez uygulandı. Araştırma sonucunda 1. Ölçüm değerleri Stereotip Davranışlar Standart Puan 18, Sosyal Etkileşim Standart Puan 15, Otistik Bozukluk İndeksi Satandart puanı 132 iken 5. Ölçüm Stereotip davranışlar Standart Puan 13, Sosyal Etkileşim Standart Puan 12, Otistik Bozukluk İndeksi Satandart puanı 110 olarak ölçülmüştür. Sonuç olarak, bu vaka çalışması OSB’li kişide yüksek yoğunluklu fiziksel aktivitelerin hem ölçülebilir puanlarda hem de günlük yaşam davranışlarında anlamlı ilerleme sağlayabileceğini göstermektedir.

Keywords

• Otizm
• OSB
• Egzersiz
• Fiziksel Aktivite

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