by: The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.5 million people who have some form of autism live in the United States. Also, 1 in every 166 children is diagnosed with autism (CDC, 2007). Autism is the third most common developmental disability in the United States. The occurrence of autism in males is significantly higher than in females, currently at a 4:1 ratio, and for children with severe to profound intellectual disability, the ratio is 2:1 (Fombonne, 2002). In the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-DSM IV TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000), autism is the most common of the five Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). PDD is a category of neurological disorders with severe and pervasive impairments affecting the development of social interactions and communication skills. The other four are Rett’s Disorder, Child Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
Read the full text of the introduction to “Autism and Considerations in Recreation and Physical Activity Settings” on the NCPAD Website HERE
Table of Contents

• Sensory Considerations
• Behavioral Considerations
• Social Considerations
• Cognition Considerations
• Communication Considerations
• Neurological Considerations
• Inclusion
• Exercise Guidelines
• Physical Activity Schedule
• Acknowledgments
• References

Read “Autism and Considerations in Recreation and Physical Activity Settings” on the NCPAD Website HERE