Moving together: The role of family co-participation in promoting physical activity among adults with autism.

BACKGROUND

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high rates of physical inactivity and obesity, contributing to elevated cardiometabolic risk. Although social support influences health behaviors, the role of co-participation in physical activity (PA) with family and friends remains underexamined among adults with ASD, particularly within Hispanic/Latino populations.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine differences in family- and friend-based co-participation in PA between physically active and inactive adults with ASD, and (2) to examine the association between co-participation and objectively measured PA levels.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis used pooled baseline data from two community-based studies. Adults with ASD completed self-report measures of family- and friend-based co-participation in physical activity. PA was objectively assessed using wearables (steps/day), and anthropometric measures were obtained.

RESULTS

The final sample included 44 adults with ASD (mean age = 26 years; 73% male), with 52% identifying as Hispanic/Latino. Overall, 70% had an unhealthy body mass index, 75% had a high-risk waist-to-height ratio, and 55% accumulated <7000 steps/day. Participants who reported family-based co-participation at least "a few times," particularly swimming and unstructured activities, had greater odds of achieving ≥7000 steps/day (OR = 6.86; 95% CI: 1.26-41.1). Friend based co-participation in PA was not significantly associated with PA outcomes

CONCLUSION

Family-based co-participation is a key facilitator of PA among adults with ASD, underscoring the need for. family-centered, culturally responsive interventions that address social and contextual determinants of health.