University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division
The Benefits of Recreational Therapy for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Presenter Hometown
Bowling Green, KY
Major
Recreation Therapy
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Michelle Gerken, Ph.D., CTRS
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Scott, Chelsea, "The Benefits of Recreational Therapy for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2021). University Presentation Showcase Event. 4.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2021/graduate/4
Abstract
According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors” (2018, para. 1). The prevalence rate for autism spectrum disorder is about one in fifty-four children and does not discriminate among backgrounds (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Several methods have been used to treat ASD; however, recreational therapy stands out because it focuses on improving the quality of life in its clients. According to the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), recreational therapy is a “…treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition” (ATRA, n.d.). The purpose of this study was to identify the benefits of recreational therapy for people with ASD and acknowledge the implications for future service delivery. For this study, several articles were analyzed in an attempt to identify benefits of recreational therapy for people with ASD and acknowledge some interventions and/or activities that have proven to be effective in delivering recreational therapy services.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, recreational therapy, benefits
Presentation format
Poster
The Benefits of Recreational Therapy for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors” (2018, para. 1). The prevalence rate for autism spectrum disorder is about one in fifty-four children and does not discriminate among backgrounds (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Several methods have been used to treat ASD; however, recreational therapy stands out because it focuses on improving the quality of life in its clients. According to the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), recreational therapy is a “…treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition” (ATRA, n.d.). The purpose of this study was to identify the benefits of recreational therapy for people with ASD and acknowledge the implications for future service delivery. For this study, several articles were analyzed in an attempt to identify benefits of recreational therapy for people with ASD and acknowledge some interventions and/or activities that have proven to be effective in delivering recreational therapy services.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, recreational therapy, benefits
