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Aging on the Autism Spectrum: Physical Activity in Individuals Receiving State Services in the United States

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Abstract

This study explores factors associated with participation in moderate physical activity and muscle strengthening activity in adults with autism receiving state services (age: 18–78 years). Researchers analyzed the National Core Indicators-In Person Survey (2017–2018) data using multilevel mixed effects logistic regression. Older adults on the autism spectrum engaged in both moderate physical activity and muscle strengthening activity less often than younger adults on the autism spectrum (OR 0.99; p < 0.05; OR 0.98; p < 0.001). Individuals reportedly in fair/poor health had 50% lower odds of engaging in moderate physical activity and 30% lower odds of engaging in muscle strengthening compared to those in good/ excellent health (OR 0.50; p < 0.001; OR 0.70; p < 0.001). Moderate physical activity/muscle strengthening initiatives may help foster this group’s healthy aging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Healthcare Management, Stonehill College, North Easton, MA, USA

    Danielle A. Waldron

  2. Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA

    Jeffrey Stokes & Elizabeth Dugan

  3. Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA

    Caitlin E. Coyle

  4. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    John Kramer

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  1. Danielle A. Waldron
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  2. Jeffrey Stokes
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  3. Caitlin E. Coyle
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The first and second authors conducted the quantitative analsyes for the project, while all of the authors contributed to intellectual thought, writing, and revision of the piece.

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Correspondence to Danielle A. Waldron.

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Waldron, D.A., Stokes, J., Coyle, C.E. et al. Aging on the Autism Spectrum: Physical Activity in Individuals Receiving State Services in the United States. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 3943–3957 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05676-y

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