Autism Inclusion Guidelines For Community-based Youth Physical Activity Programmes: A Delphi Study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to utilise the opinions of ‘experts’ in the development of a series of autism inclusion guidelines, which could be used for the development of future community-based physical activity programmes that would successfully include autistic children.

METHODS: Twenty-two participants (11 academics, seven working professionals, two autistic individuals) volunteered to participate in the Delphi study. Experts were required to complete multiple rounds of questionnaires with the results from each round used to inform the content of the subsequent round. This method was followed until a consensus was reached for each topic, which took a total of three rounds. Consensus was deemed to be reached when a topic reached 67% or higher agreement. The initial round included topics such as barriers/facilitators, key stakeholders and the suitability of community-based setting for children of varying autism severity. These topics then expanded based on expert responses.

RESULTS: (Agreement percentage in brackets) Key findings included (1) the necessary knowledge and skills a coach or volunteer should have including; the development of fundamental movement skills (100%), methods of inclusion (100%), incorporation of behavioural strategies (94.4%), sensory integration methods (88.9%) and the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (75%); (2) the necessary characteristics for a successful programme [including recommended resources, a session length of 30-45 minutes (86.67%), and a necessity for programmes to be evidence-informed (83.4%)]; (3) the most efficient methods of knowledge transfer, it was recommended that sports clubs and governing bodies should facilitate the delivery of evidence-informed research to coaches (>82.4%); and (4) the use of ‘bridging-sessions’ was highlighted as a tool for some autistic children before entering mainstream community-based programmes (88.9%).

CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with the findings, and with correct planning and sufficient support from sports clubs and governing sporting bodies, community-based physical activity programmes can be adapted should be made inclusive and accessible to autistic children and their families.