Strategies to Increase the Physical Activity Participation of Young Adults with Asperger Syndrome in Community Programs

Currently one in 50 American school-age children is diagnosed with Autism. Although Asperger Syndrome is no longer acknowledged as a separate diagnosis, this article refers to high-functioning individuals with Autism as having Asperger Syndrome, since it is a culturally relevant term. One of the most challenging times for individuals with Asperger Syndrome is the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, as they have to establish their role within their community. Thus, practitioners are challenged to provide adequate and appropriate opportunities for individuals with Asperger Syndrome to engage in meaningful community programs during this period of transition. Physical activity has been found to improve the mental health of individuals with Asperger Syndrome, but the majority of them are not meeting the national physical activity guidelines. The purpose of this article is to discuss the barriers that these individuals face to physical activity participation and present strategies based on self-determination theory that practitioners can utilize to help engage young adults with Asperger Syndrome in community-based activity programs.