Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

The physical inactivity of children is a public health crisis that has been linked to a number of chronic diseases including obesity. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common development disability that is characterized by delays in communication, social reciprocity, and repetitive behaviours; it is often associated with intellectual disability. Children with ASD have significant delays in their fine and gross motor skills which may inhibit them from engaging in active play; thus, increasing their risk of inactivity. Although little is known about the variables that contribute to physical activity (PA) in children, particularly in children with disabilities, potential factors include sport involvement, lack of transportation and finances. Many of these factors known to influence PA are not modifiable. Proficiency in fundamental movement skills (FMS) is arguably one of the most important predictors of PA in children because it is modifiable - FMS can be improved through intervention, finances are not likely to change. FMS are the basic movement skills that are essential to the future acquisition of the more complex skills required in games and recreational physical activities. Research has clearly demonstrated that FMS competency is positively related to PA yet, children with ASD experience significant delays in their FMS; thus, early intervention is of utmost importance. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a FMS intervention on PA levels and social behaviour in preschool-aged children with ASD. Participants will engage in a 12-hour intervention over the course of 6 or 12 weeks depending on group assignment. Participants' FMS, PA, and social behaviour will be measured multiple times throughout the study: pre- and post-intervention and at a follow-up point. The findings of this study will fill an important gap in the literature and contribute to future wide-scale interventions targeting FMS competency and physical inactivity in children with ASD.