Keep Achieving
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Keep Achieving: The impact of group based activity programmes on children who have autism and their families
IRAS ID
273253
Contact name
James Leon Smolinski
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Midlands Psychology CIC
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Participation in structured activities has been linked to several indicators of positive development such as self-esteem and psychological health. However, people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are more likely to experience barriers to participation in these types of activities and motor skills impairments, common in people with ASC, can further limit participation and enjoyment in physical activity.
Studies that have attempted to increase activity in young people with autism have shown reduction in problem behaviours such as inattention and aggression and increase in positive behaviours such as sleep and academic performance. However, many of these studies only worked with children 1:1 and never involve the whole family. As a result little is known about the effects of a group-based activity intervention in young people with ASCs and their family members. This type of intervention could provide people with ASC opportunities to be physically active and as well as opportunities to socialise and engage with others.
The goal of the current study is to examine the effects of a group based activity intervention on social skills and problem behaviours. Activities will be tailored to individuals with ASC and their families. Participants will be invited to attend a 10-week activity programme and will be assigned to either a 10-week activity programme or a wait list control condition.
The group based activity intervention will involve a series of semi-structured free play sessions with a range of activities to choose from, and sessions facilitated by local sports clubs. Events will take place in sports halls and community centres and will last for 50 minutes once a week for 10 weeks.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0372
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion