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reSearch Special inTereST Group (rSiG) abSTracTSObjectives
The objective was to qualitatively explore per-sonal support workers’ perceptions of a com-munity-based adapted physical exercise (APEX) program designed for adults with autism and an intellectual disability (ASD-ID). The comple-tion of this study expanded and complement-ed our previous work that quantificomplement-ed physi-cal changes among participants as a result of engagement in the APEX program.
Methods
Eleven adults with ASD-ID (mean age = 35.5 years; range = 20–61 years; 2 females) attend-ed a 12-week community-basattend-ed APEX program focused on the development of motor skills through engagement in whole body circuit training, as well as sports and games. Each participant had an IQ score below 70, with the lowest IQ score being 20. The perceptions of the APEX program held by the support work-ers (n = 10) of these participants were system-atically documented (through audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews following pro-gram completion. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using an inductive approach where common features between meaning units were identified using constant comparisons.
Results
Two broad categories were established: (1) pro-gram structure, and (2) participant benefits. Subcategories in “program structure” included ensuring consistency and providing resourc-es. Support workers identified the importance of ensuring a consistent program structure
through the order and type of activities provid-ed, and the consistent presence of volunteers. Support workers also noted the ability of the program to provide resources that are often unavailable. The “participant benefits” category included three subcategories: facilitating social interactions, building confidence, and provid-ing unique and novel opportunities. Support workers identified social interactions that were associated with both participant-volunteer and participant-participant relations. The increase in the participants’ confidence was evidenced through examples such as the participants’ increased willingness to enter the program space independently, and the participants’ rec-ognition of their ability to complete increasing-ly difficult tasks. In addition, the APEX pro-gram offered the participants an opportunity to learn new skills, which included standard exercises, as well as bike riding, skipping, and popular games, such as Ping-Pong.
Conclusions
The results of this study suggested that the benefits of the APEX program designed for adults with ASD-ID extended beyond physi-cal measurements, and included the ability to provide an opportunity for social interactions, an increase in confidence, and the develop-ment of novel skills. Such benefits derived by the participants are thought to be reflective of the appropriateness of the program structure, which was made feasible through the use of university resources (i.e., undergraduate stu-dent volunteers, facilities). This exemplifies the importance of community-university partner-ships in providing beneficial opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
Personal Support Workers’ Perceptions of a 12-Week Adapted
Physical Exercise Program Designed for Adults with Autism
Spectrum Disorder and an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Kelly Carr, Phillip McKeen, Nadia R. Azar, Chad A. Sutherland, Sean Horton
University of Windsor, Windsor, ON
