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Physical Activity, Screen-Time Behavior, and Obesity Among 13-Year Olds in Ireland with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

The primary purposes of this study were to compare (a) physical activity participation, screen-time habits, obesity, and (b) reported reasons for lack of participation in sport, between a nationally representative sample of Irish children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participation in moderate to vigorous activity, light activity, and sports was significantly lower among the group with ASD. On examination of screen time variables, no significant differences were seen between groups. However, time spent watching TV was higher among children with ASD. Overweight or obese status was more prevalent among the group with ASD (34.4 vs. 24.7 %). The findings are discussed in relation to international statistics on youth physical activity, screen-time, and weight status, and recommendations are provided for future research.

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Acknowledgments

No grants or financial support were involved in the completion of this study. The authors would like to acknowledge the Irish Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) and Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO) for the collection of the data.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to the writing of the manuscript, and Sean Healy completed the analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology and Recreation Administration, Humboldt State University, California, USA

    Sean Healy

  2. Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA

    Justin A. Haegele

  3. Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire, USA

    Michelle Grenier

  4. Department of Educational and Human Services, University of Central Florida, Florida, USA

    Jeanette M. Garcia

  5. 332, KRA Department, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 95521, USA

    Sean Healy

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  1. Sean Healy
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  2. Justin A. Haegele
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  3. Michelle Grenier
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  4. Jeanette M. Garcia
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Correspondence to Sean Healy.

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Healy, S., Haegele, J.A., Grenier, M. et al. Physical Activity, Screen-Time Behavior, and Obesity Among 13-Year Olds in Ireland with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 47, 49–57 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2920-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2920-4

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