Stepping Out: Social Recreation for Young Adults On the Autism Spectrum

Background: There is value in social recreation programs for young adults with disabilities. This project examined the “Stepping Out” program which provides opportunity for young adults on the autism spectrum to learn social and recreational skills.The Health economist data and a 2008 research study conducted by Taylor Reece Spencer at the University of Connecticut showed that quality of life is directly related to ones physical independence.   Less stress in the family dynamic also lends to an increase in quality of life (Spencer 2008, p.8.).  The literature indicates that there is a lack of social recreational programs for adults with disabilities.

Objectives: Due to a lack of programming for youth of this age group in the city of Calgary, Canada ‘Stepping Out’ was initiated.  This intervention aims to: 1) provide an outlet for young adults with disabilities to learn social and recreational skills, 2) utilize social recreational activities to create a heightened sense of independence and foster ongoing friendships, and  3) interact with participants that highlights their strengths and potential and only secondarily, focuses on their disability.  Weekly activity sessions covering the broad spectrum of the areas of physical fitness were incorporated, including the use of circuit training, boxing, dance, yoga and field trips such as skating and swimming. Participants gain and practice key social skills through mechanisms such as prompting and role modeling of regulated ‘turn taking’, self-expression, active listening, sharing and maintaining eye contact.  

Methods: Pre- and post-intervention data was collected based on a mixed method design.  Data collection comprised: fitness testing, observational data, and survey findings.  Key points of intervention (e.g., ‘team building’, ‘ice breaker’ games, journaling) were subjected to observation and weekly recorded, which was subsequently qualitatively analyzed for perceived outcomes and interventional processes in yielding outcomes. 

Results: Short, mid and long-term outcomes were found using surveys, fitness testing and journaling. Outcomes ranged from social impacts such as having fun, getting out of the house, improved social interaction and trying something new. Young adults with autism were found to become more outgoing and confident in doing recreational activities.. This appeared to heighten self-esteem, stimulate hope for parents, and create increased willingness among participants to participate in future social recreation programs.  The results showed a difference from the commencement to the termination of the intervention. Initially the young adults were hesitant to participate and by the end were engaged freely without prompting. 

Conclusions: The project represents a small sample of young adults and their families.  These findings highlight the potential benefit of social recreation programs for young adults on the autism spectrum. Results across methods consistent highlight encouraging findings comprising beneficial impacts and processes.  Further research in this under-studied area of intervention is warranted as these findings highlight the promise of social recreational programs for young adults with autism and their families.