Barriers to sports and physical activities among schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder: a cross-sectional study in a municipality of Southern Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To describe the perception of caregivers of schoolchildren with Intellectual Disability (ID) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regarding their involvement in sports and physical activities, as well as to identify the barriers that influence this participation, in a municipality in Southern Brazil. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria considered schoolchildren diagnosed with an ID and/or ASD, aged between seven and 18 years, enrolled in regular or special schools in the municipality, totaling a sample of 53 students. Data collection was carried out through a structured questionnaire administered by researchers and answered by the caregivers, either in person at the schools or online via telephone. Results: 86.7% of the schoolchildren presented low levels of physical activity and little engagement in sports and physical activities during leisure time. Among the barriers identified, environmental factors predominated, such as the region’s climate (86.8%), lack of adequate spaces for practice (81.7%), absence of free opportunities with professional guidance (77.4%), lack of safety near their residence (71.7%), and difficulties with transportation (64.2%). Regarding social barriers, financial difficulties (77.4%) and lack of friends to accompany them (64.2%) were highlighted. In terms of personal barriers, fear of injury (58.8%) and negative past experiences (69.8%) stood out. Conclusion: According to the perception of the careggivers, the low engagement of schoolchildren with an ID and/or ASD in sports and physical activities is directly related to the environmental, social, and personal barriers identified in this study.