Fitness Training as a Therapeutic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Objectives A 6-week adapted fitness training program was delivered to 11 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the effects were examined on physical fitness, athletic skills, and social/communication functioning. Methods The program involved 12 classes (delivered 2x per week) that combined fitness activities with targeted autism learning objectives. Results The participants showed significant improvements in leg strength/power (standing long jump), upper body strength (push-ups), motor skills, and both receptive and expressive communication. Notably, the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) scores were not significantly altered from pre-to-post. Conclusions The pilot fitness training program demonstrated preliminary effectiveness for improving important aspects of physical and social functioning as well as attenuating ASD symptoms. Therefore, fitness-based programs should continue to be explored as a therapeutic tool for ASD in larger studies.