PARENT PERCEPTIONS OF BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Introduction: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) engage in less physical activity (PA) compared to their typically developing peers. Purpose: Our aim was to explore the barriers to participation in physical activity for this group. Methods: The method applied in this study was qualitative in nature and the phenomenological approach was used. Data was collected by interviewing. “Purposeful sampling” method and “Criterion sampling” strategy were used. In this study, 15 parents from Jordan with identified criteria were selected and face to face interviews with open-ended questions were asked. "Descriptive analysis" and "content analysis" methods were used to analyze data. According to the results, 4 main themes emerged from data: 1. “Community” 2. “Institutional” with 3 sub themes: a. Specialization (coaches and centers), b. certified programs, c. cost; 3. “Environmental”, 4. “Family involvement”. Key Words: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, BARRIERS