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Associations between daily exercise and challenging behavior, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Daily exercise is increasingly recognized as important for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (IWASD). This study examined the associations between daily exercise and challenging behaviors, activities of daily living (ADLs), and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) in IWASD. Data from 1036 individuals were extracted from the 2023 Survey on the Work and Life of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and analyzed using a general linear model. Daily exercise was positively associated with lower levels of challenging behaviors and better ADL performance. Additionally, the presence or absence of exercise interacted with sex, influencing challenging behaviors. IWASD aged ≥ 30 years participated in exercise less regularly than did younger individuals; this highlighted the need for strategies to promote regular physical activity among adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Moreover, daily exercise should be actively recommended, as it was associated with a greater reduction in challenging behaviors among female individuals with ASD than among their male counterparts.
DOI: 10.1016/j.reia.2026.202855
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,410
OpenAlex ID: W7128738514
FWCI:
Cites: 66
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