Research: Addressing Physical Inactivity Among Developmentally Disabled Students Through Visual Schedules and Social Stories

Authored by Zimbelman, M., Paschal A., Hawley SR, Molgaard CA, and StRomain T. in Res Dev Disabil. (Epub ahead of print), Volume , Issue , p. , (2006).

Article summary (posted Sep 23, 2006):

This article describes how visual schedules can be used at school to promote physical activity among children with autism.

Research shows that moderate aerobic activity may increase attention span, on-task behavior, and level of correct responding in children with autism. Visual schedules capitalize on the visual aspect of communication in order to aid comprehension and learning among children with autism. This article summarizes the results of a study designed to test the ability of visual schedules and social stories to increase the physical activity of children with autism. The authors found that visual schedules and social stories were able to increase opportunities for the students to be physically active. The authors encourage the use of visual schedules and social stories in physical education classes in order to promote a healthy lifestyle among children with autism.

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
attention, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, communication, comprehension, developmental delay, education, physical activity, school, visual, visual schedules
Share |