Social Learning Through Structured Exercise for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Increased participation in structured exercise (SE) routines has positive effects on physiological, cognitive, and social development (SD) for students of all ages and abilities. SE offers unique opportunities for social learning in a non-academic context. SE allows students to practice vital social skills such as observation, imitation, and self-regulation. Unfortunately, SD during SE is often overshadowed by more commonly known physiological benefits. Researchers of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are encouraged by SE findings which offer alternative methods for learning social skills the students struggle to develop. Examining the social impact of increased SE for these students bolsters the value of SE findings beyond physiological effects, illuminating the complex, often overlooked positive relationship between SD and exercise for students with ASD.