Efficacy of Physical Activity for the Management of Stereotyped Behavior and Anxiety in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The primary purpose of the study is to investigate whether physical activity can significantly manage stereotyped behavior and anxiety in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing robust evidence on the efficacy of Physical Activity intervention for ASD, which could inform clinical practices and improve treatment outcomes.

The current quantitative study will be carried out in two phases. A cross-sectional survey will assess the autism category (mild, moderate and severe), stereotyped behavior and anxiety in autistic children during the first phase. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be done during the second phase where children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are identified with moderate category of autism, stereotyped behavior and anxiety will be categorized into two groups i.e. waitlist control group and intervention group through the process of randomization. Then physical activity intervention would be applied to participants in the intervention group. The control group is the waitlist control group so initially no intervention will be given to participants in the control group but the intervention will be given to the control group participants once the study is completed. The physical activity intervention would be implemented on participants using individual and in-person modes. The pre-and post-assessment will be done at Times 1 and 2 within and between control and interventional groups. After doing post assessment the difference between pre and post-assessment will be compared to explore the efficacy of physical activity intervention in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.