Environmental Correlates of Physical Activity and Screen-Time in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Seven-Country Observational Study

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Volume

54

DOI

10.1007/s10803-023-05918-7

First Page

1740

Last Page

1748

Abstract

This cross-sectional observational study sought to examine the environmental correlates of physical activity and screen-time among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents of youth with ASD (n = 1,165) from seven countries/regions provided responses to an online survey form measuring environmental correlates (i.e., physical activity neighborhood environment, social network, social trust and cohesion, bedroom media, social home environment) and outcomes (i.e., physical activity, screen-time). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine environmental predictors of the outcomes. Physical activity neighborhood environment (B = 0.15, p = 0.047), social network (B = 0.16, p = 0.02), and social home environment (B = 1.07, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with physical activity, whereas social trust and cohesion and bedroom media were not. Further, social trust and cohesion (B = -0.14, p = 0.001), bedroom media (B = 0.10, p = 0.001), and social home environment (B = -0.16, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with screen-time while neighborhood environment and social network were not. The identified environmental attributes of physical activity and screen-time behaviors should be targeted for health promotion among youth with ASD.

Funding Number

04585

Funding Sponsor

U.S. Department of Education

Keywords

Adolescent, Disability, Environment, Physical exercise, Sedentary behavior

Department

Kinesiology

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