Leisure Activity Enjoyment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Megan Eversole, Diane M. Collins, Amol Karmarkar, Lisa Colton, Jill Phillips Quinn, Rita Karsbaek, Jessica Reinken Johnson, Nicolle Patricia Callier, Claudia L. Hilton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Enjoyment is a fundamental component of activity participation. This study compared leisure activity enjoyment experienced by typically developing children (TD; n = 64) and those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD; n = 67) from age 6 to 13. The TD children enjoyed formal and physical activities significantly more than the children with ASD. Symptom severity was negatively related to enjoyment of overall, formal, physical and social activities. Older children with ASD enjoyed overall, informal, recreational, and self-improvement activities significantly less than younger children, but no differences were seen across TD age groups. Children with ASD enjoyed swimming significantly more than TD children. Understanding patterns of activity enjoyment is useful for being better able to address a child’s motivation to participate in various life activities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)10-20
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume46
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2016

Keywords

  • Activity enjoyment
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Motivation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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