Parental Perspectives on Sports Participation in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 Following a Multicomponent Physical Activity Program: A Qualitative Study.

Background

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1 face barriers to sports participation that remain insufficiently understood.

Methods

This qualitative study explored parental perspectives on barriers and facilitators to physical activity following participation in a multicomponent physical activity program (MCPAP). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 parents (11 mothers, 6 fathers) of boys aged 8-12 years with ASD Level 1 who completed a 12-week MCPAP in Valencia, Spain. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Seven themes were identified, capturing both barriers and facilitators: (1) parental fears and previous negative experiences; (2) parents' accounts of their sons' avoidance of physical activity in relation to bullying and social exclusion; (3) methodological barriers linked to non-adapted teaching approaches; (4) challenges with non-specialized professionals; (5) limited availability of programs specifically designed for children with ASD Level 1; and (6) location and accessibility concerns; and (7) parent-perceived facilitators and outcomes associated with the MCPAP, including transfer to natural contexts.

Conclusions

Parents described children with ASD Level 1 as an "invisible population" with regard to existing sports opportunities. Parents further perceived that specialized programs with trained professionals, adapted methodologies, and small-group formats supported their sons' sustained engagement in physical activity. These findings reflect parental interpretations and were not triangulated with standardized outcome measures.