CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Aslıhan Nergiz; Durdane Öztürk; Oner Soykan; Deniz Akdal

doi:10.55020/iojpe.1818032

CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encounter numerous individual, environmental, and social challenges in participating in physical activities. Despite the developmental benefits of physical activity, such as improvements in motor skills, social interaction, sensory regulation, and emotional balance children with ASD often experience limited participation. This limitation not only affects their development but also impacts their families quality of life of. The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers faced by children with ASD in engaging in physical activities, as perceived by parents and professionals working who closely with them. This research employed a qualitative design. Participants included teachers, parents, speech therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists who provide care or educational services to children with ASD. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis techniques. Analysis of the data revealed four main themes: individual behavioral characteristics, intensity of environmental stimuli, socio-emotional challenges, and educational/structural deficiencies. Participants emphasized that these factors significantly hinder active participation in physical activities. Additionally, there was a strong consensus on the necessity for individually tailored environments and professional support in physical activity programs. The study concludes that improving physical activity participation among children with ASD requires the implementation of structured, individualized programs that are professionally supported and carefully balanced in terms of environmental stimuli.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder, physical activity, participation barriers, environmental factors, social factors.

Supporting Institution

No funding was received from any individual or institution for this research.

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of ethical research and the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Kirşehir Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Ethics Committee (Approval Date: 20.11.2024, Decision No: 2024/13/05). All procedures were conducted in accordance with research ethics principles and the guidelines. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Basic Training (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Aslıhan Nergiz
0009-0007-4479-2627
Türkiye

Durdane Öztürk
0000-0001-5116-7933
Türkiye

Oner Soykan
0000-0002-6967-2281
Türkiye

Deniz Akdal ^*
0000-0001-9272-3422
Türkiye

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

November 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 20, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.55020/iojpe.1818032

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA32DJ87UH

APA

Nergiz, A., Öztürk, D., Soykan, O., & Akdal, D. (2026). CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. International Online Journal of Primary Education, 15(2), 154-178. https://doi.org/10.55020/iojpe.1818032

AMA

1.Nergiz A, Öztürk D, Soykan O, Akdal D. CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. Int. Online J. Prim. Educ. 2026;15(2):154-178. doi:10.55020/iojpe.1818032

Chicago

Nergiz, Aslıhan, Durdane Öztürk, Oner Soykan, and Deniz Akdal. 2026. “CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES”. International Online Journal of Primary Education 15 (2): 154-78. https://doi.org/10.55020/iojpe.1818032.

EndNote

Nergiz A, Öztürk D, Soykan O, Akdal D (June 1, 2026) CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. International Online Journal of Primary Education 15 2 154–178.

IEEE

[1]A. Nergiz, D. Öztürk, O. Soykan, and D. Akdal, “CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES”, Int. Online J. Prim. Educ., vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 154–178, June 2026, doi: 10.55020/iojpe.1818032.

ISNAD

Nergiz, Aslıhan - Öztürk, Durdane - Soykan, Oner - Akdal, Deniz. “CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES”. International Online Journal of Primary Education 15/2 (June 1, 2026): 154-178. https://doi.org/10.55020/iojpe.1818032.

JAMA

1.Nergiz A, Öztürk D, Soykan O, Akdal D. CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. Int. Online J. Prim. Educ. 2026;15:154–178.

MLA

Nergiz, Aslıhan, et al. “CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES”. International Online Journal of Primary Education, vol. 15, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 154-78, doi:10.55020/iojpe.1818032.

Vancouver

1.Aslıhan Nergiz, Durdane Öztürk, Oner Soykan, Deniz Akdal. CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. Int. Online J. Prim. Educ. 2026 Jun. 1;15(2):154-78. doi:10.55020/iojpe.1818032

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CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

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