Regular physical activity (PA) is vital for living a healthy life and reduced chance of disease for people of all ages. Despite the U.S. government guidelines, many adolescents do not regularly participate or get enough physical activity and research has shown physical activity occurring with much less frequency for youth with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when compared to youth without disabilities (Pan & Frey, 2006). Fewer social opportunities and higher levels of disruptive and interfering behavior may contribute to these discrepancies. The current study compared two types of physical activity, instructor-led and exergaming among 3 high school students with ASD in a classroom after school. Using an alternating treatment design, results report levels of participation and active physical engagement during each condition. Limitations are considered along with application to practice for increasing involvement in physical education activities.

The research on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is extensive and growing. Although these conditions are recognized as affecting the entire lifespan, the literature on ASD after childhood is limited and has not been brought together in a single volume in over a decade. Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders fills this knowledge gap by focusing on needs and difficulties unique to these stages of development. Expert contributors offer cogent reviews of complex issues, from education to employment, leisure activities to illegal behaviors, mental health issues to medical health concerns. The latest findings in key areas, such as psychosocial and residential treatments, social skills programs, epidemiology, the impact of ASD on families, are examined in detail. Throughout the volume, coverage focuses on areas requiring improved models of assessment, updated data, new interventions and increased support services. Featured topics include: Transition from high school to adulthood for adolescents and young adults with ASD. Innovative programming to support college students with ASD. Romantic relationships, sexuality and ASD. Treatment of mental health comorbidities. Assessment and treatment planning in adults with ASD. The range of outcomes and challenges in middle and later life. Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders is a must-have reference for a wide range of clinicians and practitioners – as well as researchers and graduate students – in clinical child, school and developmental psychology; child and adolescent psychiatry; social work; rehabilitation medicine/therapy; education and general practice/family medicine. It will also serve as an important resource for parents and caregivers with its focus on translating the current state of knowledge relevant to understanding adolescents and adults with ASD into practical and relevant recommendations on how best to support them.

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. The seventh edition of this widely-adopted text for special educators addresses the full-range of curriculum and instructional topics involved in educating individuals with moderate, severe, and multiple disabilities. Evidence-based practices are presented in clearly-defined ways so that teachers can easily understand the research presented and apply it in the real classroom. All chapters in the book are unique, written by leaders in the field known for their research and writing on the specific topics. Case studies of students are applied to chapter content in vignettes, tables, and figures found throughout the chapters, and the textbook rests on a solid evidence-base with research citations provided. The new edition features many new updates including: a greater emphasis on teaching students with autism; six new chapters authored by experts in the field; more information on teaching methods supported by research, peer support, teaching academic skills, the process for planning and implementing instruction within general education classrooms, transition planning, and alternate assessment. All core chapters have been strengthened and expanded, and PowerPoint slides are now available for course instructors.

This book opens with a discussion of neurodiversity and an elaboration of the diagnosis of autism. It then examines factors correlating with autism, including sex bias, month of birth, migration and impact of infant feeding. The next section is on the impact of autism. The neurobiology and genetic section deals with epigenetics and intracellular pathways associated with etiology. The development and behaviour section deals with proprioceptive profiles and joint attention in autism. The final section focuses on interventions including mindfulness, animal assisted activity, social/cultural perspective on autism intervention and physical activity. The book is relevant to all professionals and researchers working with persons with autism, including psychiatrists/psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, nurses and care workers.

This unique volume brings together the main findings from the Nuffield Foundation's Changing Adolescence Programme and explores how social change may affect young people's behaviour, mental health and transitions toward adulthood.