Autistic Young Adults' Experiences in Physical Activity: A Phenomenological Study
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| Title: | Autistic Young Adults' Experiences in Physical Activity: A Phenomenological Study |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ashlyn Barry, Justin A. Haegele (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2025 29(10):2412-2424. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Young Adults, Physical Activities, Team Sports, Parent Influence, Aging (Individuals), Athletics, Social Support Groups, Peer Influence, Achievement, Goal Orientation, Psychological Patterns, Self Esteem, Stress Management, Locus of Control, African Americans, Experience, Motivation, Mental Health, Physical Fitness |
| Geographic Terms: | Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Texas, New York |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613251338377 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Young adulthood is a key period for establishing lifelong physical activity (PA) habits, yet little is known about how autistic young adults experience PA. The purpose of this study was to explore how autistic young adults make sense of their PA experiences and the meanings they ascribe to those experiences. Thirteen autistic young adults (ages 22-25) participated in semi-structured interviews about their PA experiences. A phenomenological qualitative approach with an interpretivist paradigm guided this study. Participants described how their PA experiences evolved over time. In childhood, many engaged in team sports, often encouraged by their parents. As they transitioned to adulthood, they shifted toward more independent activities (e.g. running, yoga). Social support from friends and teammates was a strong motivator, while personal achievements (e.g. reaching fitness goals) helped to build a sense of pride. Many participants emphasized the mental and emotional benefits of PA, including increased confidence, reduced stress, and a greater sense of control. These findings described how autistic young adults engaged in PA as they moved into adulthood and pointed to important factors to consider when creating supportive PA opportunities for this population. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1482875 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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