Fit Club: Effect of Daily Exercise on Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background: Autistic children have academic performance challenges, participate less in physical activities than other children, and enjoy physical activities less than other children. Without intervention, body mass index (BMI) and executive function (EF) abilities generally remain stable or worsen as autistic children get older. Obesity and lack of physical fitness are concerns with autistic youth. Method: We conducted a 12-month, repeated-measures intent to treat intervention study of autistic adolescents(n = 29), examining changes in BMI, EF, and social responsiveness after participating in a mandatory daily exercise program. Results: Significant improvements were seen in BMI, some areas of EF and social responsiveness. Conclusion: Findings indicate that daily physical exercise is feasible and suggest that it contributes to fitness, EF and social responsiveness in autistic adolescents.