Effects of physical activity and exercise-based interventions in young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.
Aerobic and resistance training reliably boost fitness and quality of life in autistic young adults, but don’t expect big changes in core autism symptoms.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Vaishnavi and her team looked at every paper that tested exercise programs for autistic young adults. They kept only studies that measured fitness, mood, or life-quality changes.
After screening hundreds of reports, they pulled out the ones with clear before-and-after data. The final set covered aerobic workouts, weight training, and mixed sports.
What they found
The review shows steady gains in strength, heart fitness, balance, and happiness. Programs lasting eight weeks or more produced the clearest benefits.
Surprise: almost no study found big changes in core autism traits like social withdrawal or repetitive speech. Exercise helps the body and mood, not the diagnosis itself.
How this fits with other research
Wang et al. (2023) ran a meta-analysis on younger kids and saw medium drops in social and repetitive symptoms. The difference: preschoolers got 90-minute sessions three times a week for three months, while the adult studies used shorter, less frequent workouts. Age and dose likely explain the gap.
Sirao et al. (2026) found physical activity beat melatonin for improving sleep in autistic children. Vaishnavi’s adult studies did not track sleep, so the sleep benefit may fade with age or simply hasn’t been tested yet.
Tse et al. (2024) showed two-wheel cycling sharpened thinking skills more than stationary bikes in kids. None of the adult trials used real cycling, leaving room to test this cheap, fun option with young adults.
Why it matters
If you serve autistic adults in day programs or college transition groups, add brisk walking, light weights, or dance three days a week. You will see better endurance and mood within two months. Do not promise families that exercise will cure social deficits; promise what the data shows: fitter, happier clients who may then engage more willingly in other therapies.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Young adults with autism spectrum disorder over 18 years of age are an underserved population, and there is presently limited evidence examining the effects of physical activity programs in this population. Our review synthesizes the evidence to date from studies that have assessed the effects of physical activity/exercise programs in young adults with autism spectrum disorder between 19 and 30 years. We reviewed 22 studies that included a total of 763 young adults with autism spectrum disorder. There is the strongest evidence for improvements in physical fitness, followed by motor skills, psychological function, and quality of life following physical activity interventions in young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, aerobic and resistance training as well as programs focused on movement skill and sport-specific training lead to improved physical fitness and movement performance. Holistic interventions focusing on physical activity, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications lead to improvements in body composition and quality of life of young adults with autism spectrum disorder. There is presently limited evidence to support the use of exercise/activity programs to improve physical activity levels and core autism symptoms in young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Based on our review results, we also provide practical recommendations for clinicians working with young adults with autism spectrum disorder.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2024 · doi:10.1177/13623613231169058