Comparison of fitness levels between elementary school children with autism spectrum disorder and age-matched neurotypically developing children.
Elementary kids with autism lag far behind peers on every Eurofit test, so we need planned fitness blocks, not just free play.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Craig and team tested 244 kids . Half had autism, half were neurotypical.
They ran the full Eurofit battery: 20-meter dash, standing long jump, sit-ups, shuttle run, balance beam.
Each child tried every test once. Scores were compared by age and diagnosis.
What they found
Kids with ASD scored lower on every fitness test. Effect sizes ranged from small to large.
The gap widened after age eight. Older kids with autism showed the biggest delays in sprint speed and jump power.
How this fits with other research
Miltenberger et al. (2013) saw equal moderate-to-vigorous minutes when they used waist accelerometers. Craig now shows those same kids still lose on strength, speed, and coordination. The papers differ because accelerometry counts movement, while Eurofit measures skill.
Pan (2008) found less recess MVPA in ASD. Craig’s 2021 data say the deficit is deeper than recess alone; basic motor skills are behind.
Heald et al. (2020) proved an eight-week judo class can raise MVPA. Craig’s results give the reason such programs are needed: baseline fitness is poor.
Why it matters
You now have hard numbers to show parents and PE teachers: children with autism are not just “less active,” they are measurably weaker, slower, and less balanced. Use these data to justify a targeted neuromuscular block in the IEP or to win funding for after-school clubs like judo, dance, or mini-track. Start with one 15-minute station of sprint-jump-throw circuits next session; track dash time each week to show progress.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Low physical fitness is associated with reduced physical activity and increased cardiovascular diseases. To date, limited research has compared physical fitness levels between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, the primary aim was to investigate if differences in fitness levels exist between children with ASD and age-matched neurotypically developing children (ND). The second aim was to examine if age, sex, height and weight could be used to predict potential fitness levels. The third aim was to examine if the developmental trajectory of fitness is comparable between children with ASD and ND children. The modified Eurofit test battery was used to compare fitness levels between 244 children aged 4-13 years old (n = 152 ND and n = 92 ASD). Independent samples t tests and regression analyses were used to investigate differences in fitness levels between the two groups. The results indicated that statistically significant differences exist in fitness levels between children with ASD when compared to ND children across all ages, favoring the ND children, with small to large effect sizes noted (p < 0.05, d = 0.36-1.13). Regression analysis could not accurately predict fitness measurements in children with ASD but could for ND children. The developmental trajectories were significantly delayed on the 20 m sprint and standing broad jump for children with ASD when compared to ND children. Future studies should seek to address the disparities in physical fitness experienced by children with ASD by using relevant neuromuscular interventions.
Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research, 2021 · doi:10.1002/aur.2559