The relationship between physical activity, sport, and social health in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of physical activity and sport on social health in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review was conducted using the databases Web of Science and Google Scholar with the keywords “autism spectrum disorder,” “physical activity,” “sport,” and “social health.” As a result of this review, it was found that ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behavioral patterns..Social health, on the other hand, refers to the quality of an individual’s interactions with society, their competence in fulfilling social roles, and their sense of belonging. The literature suggests that individuals with ASD often experience limited social interactions, resulting in weaker social health; however, physical activity and sport have been emphasized for their potential to enhance social skills in this population. Within this context, the study provides an in-depth evaluation of the effects of physical activity and sport programs on the social health components of individuals with ASD. The findings demonstrate that participation in physical activity and sport contributes positively to increasing social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging, learning social norms, and supporting self-confidence. Team sports, in particular, promote the development of empathy, sharing, and responsibility-taking skills, thereby improving social health levels. Moreover, the beneficial effects of physical activity in reducing stress, supporting emotional regulation, and facilitating social adaptation are also highlighted. These findings underscore the significance of holistic, social health–oriented approaches for individuals with ASD and indicate the need for further practice-oriented research in this field.