The need for cost-effective interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and related conditions is growing rapidly. Recent research suggests that only a limited number of individuals who are eligible for intervention are actually receiving such services. This thesis first discusses the current evidence-base for interventions aimed at young children with ASD. It then outlines a frequent oversight in the literature regarding motor development and resonance difficulties in this population, which forms the basis for developing motor-based interventions for these individuals. Two large-scale experimental school-based studies are then presented which examine the effects of an ABA-based high-intensity physical exercise as an effective intervention for children with ASD and other Special Educational Needs (SEN). In one study, this intervention is compared with a low-intensity exercise program. Results indicate that high-intensity physical exercise results in significant short-term (0-to-90 minute), but not long-term (24 hours+), improvements in cognitive/behavioral flexibility (executive functions) in students with ASD and students with SEN. Furthermore, both high-intensity and low-intensity exercise resulted in significant reductions in stress, in both the short-term and long-term in students with ASD and students with SEN. These findings provide direct evidence for the effectiveness of physical exercise as a school-based intervention.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:690815 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Elliott, Natasha Anne |
| Publisher | University of Birmingham |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/6844/ |
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