Reasons and expectations of participation in physical activity programs of individuals with autism: A qualitative research on family and educator

This research aims to examine the changes in physical development, motor skills, cognitive and mental development, socialization, daily life skills and quality of life experienced by the individuals with autism by participating in physical activity and rehabilitation programs, and to determine the financial value of participating in such programs and how important such programs are as a state policy. 16 parents of children with autism and 15 physical activity trainers participated in the study voluntarily. Our study was carried out by preparing a semi-structured observation form, which does not allow emotionality to be added to the flow of events, contains open-ended questions, and allows the person to tell his/her story as it is, and by interviewing with families and trainers. Due to pandemic, the interviews were conducted by phone and recorded. The data were recorded, transcribed, and separated using the manual analysis method. As a result of the analyzes, it was seen that the parameters expected in the research developed positively because of physical activity and rehabilitation and increased the life quality of the individual with autism. In the light of the data obtained from the participants, it is stated that the state investments are extremely lacking so that those who want to participate should attend special programs and that this is an economically challenging process. Thanks to our study, it will be seen that it is possible to increase the living standards of individuals with autism and it will be important for each of them to have equal conditions to participate in such rehabilitation programs. Keywords: Autism, Physical Activity, Living Standards, Policy