BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN URUGUAIANA - RS - BRAZIL

Abstract

Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) seem to be more prone to factors such as overweight and obesity when compared to the general population, because studies have identified higher prevalences in children and adolescents with the diagnosis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the participation of adolescents with ASD from the city of Uruguaiana / RS in physical activity practices and to describe barriers and facilitators that interfere or contribute to this practice. This descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out with 20 responsible for children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder attending public schools and charities in Uruguaiana / RS. For the data collection, a questionnaire was used as an instrument directed to those responsible. It is an adapted questionnaire that allows identifying behavioral characteristics in relation to the practice of physical activities, the adaptation of the instrument focuses on the mixture of the same with a semi-structured interview on barriers and facilitators of physical activities. The results showed that the mean of the participants’ total BMI (24.99) is above the cut-off points of the health risk zone, and 30% of the subjects do not practice any type of physical activity. The main reporting barriers were correlated and expressed more of an idea of ??social need than personal barriers. We emphasize through this study that the present situation of the FA of the children with ASD in the municipality can be improved, taking into account what the responsible ones report and see in the daily life of their children.

Received on: 07/08/2019

Accepted on: 07/10/2019