The impact of sport activities on basic motor skills of children with autism

Background and Study Aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of sports training on basic motor skills of children with autism. Material and Methods: The study included sixteen children with autism who were aged between 12-16 years. The study aims to present the difference between basic motor skills of children with autism before sports training and after taking sports training for 12 weeks. The study was conducted in experimental design and compared values before and after sports training. SPSS 23.0 statistics program was used to perform statistical assessment of the data. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for intragroup changes of fine and gross motor development, balance, life skills and self-care test data in the test battery. Results: At the end of a 12-week study, positive developments were observed in balance, catching, skipping, basic gymnastics, and some psychomotor and life skills, while no significant difference was observed in throwing skills. Based on daily life generalization, it can be said that the learned skills positively contribute to life standards of individuals with autism. Conclusions: The study results show that exercise programs also develop the physical fitness levels of children with autism. At the end of a 12-week sports training, a positive development was seen in basic motor skills and life skills. It is thought that useful results can be obtained with such exercise programs.