Affiliation:
1. Department of Humanistic Sciences, Pegaso University, 80143 Naples, Italy
2. Department of Psychology and Science of Education, University of Study Niccolò Cusano, 00166 Rome, Italy
3. Department of Motor and Well-Being Sciences, University of Study Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy
Abstract
This research aims to promote motor activity in children with autism spectrum disorder through the development of an adapted integrated soccer project played outdoors. The project is carried out in collaboration with the nonprofit “Smile Association” of the city of Frosinone (Lazio-Italy) and the Pegaso and Parthenope Universities. The main purpose of the Smile Association is to provide an educational and sports service in an area poorly provided with opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to change their predominantly sedentary condition and, through corporeality, to improve cognitive, affective, and relational processes. Participation in sports activities allows for the development of motor skills, social interactions, and cognitive stimulation. There is a need for available resources and programs dedicated exclusively to children with ASD to help them develop social, motor, and cognitive skills. One of the programs that might be helpful is a structured group play program involving physical activity. In addition, through the project, a dense social network has been activated between the third sector, sports companies, and local health authorities. The project aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda in Articles 3, 4, and 11. This paper describes the correlation between learning and motor activity. According to the hypotheses of this research, integrated soccer activity implements cognitive skills, particularly those related to memory for visual stimuli and to the theory of mind, as well as sense-motor skills. Work carried out to improve attentional skills can reduce stereotypical behaviours. The results showed that continuous and regular engagement in motor activities has positive health outcomes for children with autism in terms of reduced symptomatology and improved quality of life. A total of 108 statistical units (the control group consisted of 18 statistical units, and the sample comprised 90 participants) aged 8 to 11 years were examined. The project is aimed at girls (in compliance with Art. 5 regarding gender equality); however, the participants identified by the local health authority are predominantly male.
Funder
Niccolò Cusano University
Subject
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment,Geography, Planning and Development,Building and Construction
Reference33 articles.
1. Principles of adaptation of the rules for disabled athletes for an inclusion sport;Martino;J. Hum. Sport Exerc.,2019
2. A systematic review of the behavioural outcomes following exercise interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder;Bremer;Autism,2016
3. Epidemiology of Pervasive Developmental Disorders;Fombonne;Int. Pediatr. Res. Found.,2009
4. Sex/Gender Differences and Autism: Setting the Scene for Future Research;Lai;J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry,2015
5. Badminton: From competitive motor activity to inclusive didactics;Latino;ACTA Medica Mediterr.,2018
Cited by
1 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献