ERIC Number: EJ1390324
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1034-912X
EISSN: EISSN-1465-346X
Available Date: N/A
Brief Report: Family Recreation for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Milgramm, Anna; Wilkinson, Emma; Christodulu, Kristin
International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, v70 n5 p595-603 2023
Participation in recreation activities is an important contributor to quality of life and well-being. However, recreation participation and satisfaction are reduced among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to barriers at the individual and environmental level. Community-based recreation events offer inclusive solutions but remain understudied. This study sought to examine families' goals for participation, explore their perspectives and evaluate their satisfaction following participation in a series of community-based recreation events. Anonymous data was collected for 53 attendees. Following quantitative and qualitative analysis, three primary goals for participation were identified: desire for an inclusive space, socialisation and spending time as a family in the community. Three similar themes emerged as the most valuable aspects of the events: non-judgemental environment, networking and social interaction, and fun activities. Lastly, aspects that participants disliked were categorised into five themes: environmental characteristics, opportunities for structured interaction, food options, geographical distance and incompatibility with age and/or interest. Overall, families were satisfied with the events, likely to attend again, and likely to recommend to others. The implications of the study's findings are discussed, including considerations for improving community-based recreation events for individuals with ASD and directions for future study.
Descriptors: Recreational Activities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Community Programs, Family Attitudes, Inclusion, Interpersonal Relationship, Family Involvement, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Social Bias, Interaction, Environmental Influences, Food, Geographic Location
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A