Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity in Families Who Have a Child with ASD

Background: Parents and caregivers of children with ASD's have been shown to have high levels of stress. Recent research has shown the benefits of physical activity for individuals with ASD's, but limited research has focused on the physical activity and leisure activity of families with ASD's.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators families who have children with ASD's experience in accessing physical activity (PA).

Methods: This qualitative phenomenological study used semi-Structured interviews with 13 parents and/or caregivers to explore barriers and facilitators to participation in PA. Participants were recruited through local agencies who serve children with ASD's using a criterion-sampling approach. Interview questions focused around physical activity experiences of the family members individually and as a whole. Data were transcribed and coded deductively for themes within each data set and then between participants to find overarching themes to barriers and facilitators to PA for families who have a child with ASD.

Results: To be presented.

Conclusions:  To be presented.