Hobby preferences and physical activity participation among children with and without autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit low physical activity levels and are at an increased risk for health problems related to sedentary behaviors. Hobby preferences have been shown to influence physical activity participation. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the hobby preferences of children with ASD and determine if physical activity levels differed, depending on the nature (active versus sedentary) of their hobby preferences. A secondary purpose was to describe the hobby preferences of children with ASD. Participants included 86 nine-year-old children with and without ASD. Physical activity levels were reported by the parents using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and children reported on their hobby preferences. Chi-square, T-test and ANOVA analysis indicated children with ASD were less active than their typically developing (TD) peers, less likely to prefer active hobbies, and lastly, physical activity of children with ASD with active hobbies was not significantly less than children with ASD with sedentary hobbies. This study also provides frequency data on the hobby preferences of children with ASD.