Examination of motor performance, physical fitness and life qualities of individuals (13-18 years old) with autism spectrum disorder

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reveal limitations in social interation and communication, and they have repetitive behavioral patterns and these characteristics of the individual affect the other areas of life negatively as well. This study aims to examine the relationship between ASD severity and motor skills, physical fitness, life quality and independence in daily living skills (IDLS) levels of individuals with ASD. Participants of the study were 31 individuals who aged between 13 to 18 and diagnosed with ASD. In order to identify ASD severities, and motor skills, physical fitness, IDLS and daily life quality levels of participants, Turkish version of Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2, Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test 2, Brockport Physical Fitness Test, Functional Independence Measure and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory for Children were used respectively. The data gathered from the study were analyzed through Pearson Correlation, Partial Correlation, and Independent Samples T-Test. Findings of the study revealed that there were significant relationships between ASD severity and motor performance (r= -,61, p<0,05); physical fitness (r= -,47, p<0,05, r= -,38, p<0,05, r= -,42, p<0,05, r= -,42, p<0,05, r= -,12, p>0,05, r= -,33, p>0,05); IDLS (r= -,65, p<0,05) and life quality (r= -,61, p<0,05,). In addition, there were significant differences between individuals with different ASD severity levels and motor performance (t=-2,57, p<0,05); some physical fitness parameters (t=-3,10, p<0,05, t=-2,07, p<0,05, t=-3,39, p<0,05); IDLS (t=-3,08, p<0,05) and life quality (t=-2,77, p<0,05). Activities that would increase motor performance, physical fitness, independence and life quality are recommended to be included in daily activity programs of individuals with ASD.