Effects of an 8-Week Judo Program on Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Approach
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Effects of an 8‑Week Judo Program on Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed‑Methods Approach Paola Rivera1 · Justine Renziehausen1 · Jeanette M. Garcia2
© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Prior studies suggest that a combination of physical activity and mind–body exercises, often seen in martial arts, may attenuate negative behaviors in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week judo program on behavioral factors in children with ASD, using a mixed-methods approach. A total of 25 children (ages 8–17), diagnosed with ASD, participated in an 8-week judo program (1 × week). Parents of participants were given the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) to compare the severity of ASD-related behavior at baseline and at the end of the program. A subset of parents (n = 9) participated in semi-structured interviews that focused on their child’s behaviors during the judo program. Non-parametric paired t-tests were conducted to compare differences in the ABC scores from at baseline and at the end of the program. Interviews were coded independently by two trained researchers and categorized into behavioral themes. Participants attended an average of 7.04 ± 1.06 classes (out of 8 sessions). There were no significant changes in ABC scores, however, parent interviews revealed that 78% of parents observed improvements in both social skills and self-esteem as a result of the judo program. Despite no significant differences in ABC scores pre and post-judo, data from parent interviews indicate improvements in self-esteem and social skills. Future studies should further examine the effects of judo in a larger sample of youth with ASD, and include control conditions (e.g. no-exercise group) for comparison purposes. Keywords Autism spectrum disorders · Children · Mixed-methods · Martial arts
Introduction Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has rapidly increased in recent years and is the second most often-diagnosed developmental disability in the United States, with 1 in 59 children receiving a diagnosis of ASD in 2018 compared to 1 in 2000 in the 1980’s [1]. Primary characteristics of ASD include impaired communication, difficulty with social interactions, and repetitive behaviors (head banging and rocking). Such symptoms of ASD have been linked with low academic success, the inability to form relationships with peers, and poor health habits, such as disrupted sleep patterns [2, 3]. Given the increased difficulties associated with ASD-related behaviors, as well as the devastating * Jeanette M. Garcia [email protected] 1
School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Department of Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
2
impacts on the family unit [4], it is critical to develop interventions that may attenuate these behaviors [5]. While conventional forms of treatment have had m
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