A qualitative exploration of parental views when comparing individual to group sports in children with autism spectrum disorder - a pilot study

Abstract

(1) Background: Physical activity is important for children with autism spectrum disorder. This study aimed to analyse autistic children’s and their parents’ preferences between group and individual physical activity, while exploring potential social barriers that they might encounter.

(2) Methods: Retrospective analysis identified 701 new referrals received by the Maltese national child and adolescent mental health service, between 2016 and 2017. Of them, 24 received a sole diagnosis of autism and 10 were chosen via purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview guide was created, including readability testing, translation/back-translation, inter-rater agreements, and focus group testing. Parents were informed, consented, interviewed and thematic analysis carried out. Further quantitative data were tabled accordingly.

(3) Results: Only one child met World Health Organisation recommendations for physical activity. More children preferred individual sports while parents described more benefits with group sports. Parents’ perceived benefits with group sports included better socialization, while improved levels of self-esteem and coping with anxiety were highlighted benefits for individual sports. Parents felt misunderstood, burnt out, and described a lack of autism-friendly sports facilities, including geographical disproportionation of adequate facilities on the island. Too much screen time was a major parental concern.

(4) Conclusion: Recommendations aim to develop sport therapy systems and well-resourced services in Malta. Staff training is recommended to improve service quality.