Comparison of Obesity, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behaviors Between Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Without.

The team asked parents about weight, exercise, and screen time. They compared teens with autism to same-age peers without disabilities.

Surveys went out to high-school families. Answers were checked against autism severity scores.

Teens with autism were more likely to be overweight and far less likely to meet exercise guidelines. The gap widened when autism traits were more intense.

In plain numbers: more body weight, less movement, more sitting.

Heald et al. (2020) ran the same survey four years later on a giant U.S. sample and saw the same pattern—direct proof the problem is real and stable.

Healy et al. (2019) used government health records instead of parent surveys. They still found the same 1.5× obesity jump, showing the result is not tied to one method.

Brodhead et al. (2019) added waist-worn activity trackers. Their data confirm teens with autism actually move less, not just that parents think they do.

If you serve teens with autism, plan for extra weight and low activity from day one. Build movement into treatment plans: walk before work sessions, use short active breaks, teach parents to limit screens after school. Track BMI at reassessment and pair medical with behavioral goals—small daily steps can prevent adult health risks down the line.