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

This study looked at exercise habits in adults with autism who receive government support services. Researchers found that older autistic adults exercise less than younger ones, and those with poor health are much less likely to be physically active. The study suggests that specific exercise programs could help autistic adults stay healthier as they age.

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Core Indicators-In Person Survey (2017-2018) to examine physical activity patterns in adults with autism receiving state services. Using multilevel mixed effects logistic regression, researchers found that older adults with autism were significantly less likely to engage in moderate physical activity and muscle strengthening exercises compared to younger adults. Health status was strongly associated with physical activity participation, with individuals in fair/poor health having substantially lower odds of engaging in both types of activity. The findings suggest age-related decline in physical activity among autistic adults and highlight the importance of targeted interventions to promote healthy aging in this population.

Results suggest need for age-appropriate physical activity interventions for autistic adults. Health status screening should inform exercise programming. Targeted muscle strengthening and moderate physical activity initiatives may support healthy aging outcomes in this population.

Study design is unclear from abstract. Sample size not reported. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference. Limited to individuals receiving state services, potentially affecting generalizability to broader autism population.

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.