Online training for physical activity practitioners on evidence-based practices for clients with autism

Online training for physical activity practitioners on evidence-based practices for clients with autism Scott McNamara, Melissa Bittner, Sean Healy Advances in Autism, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.- Physical activity professionals often lack the experience and knowledge to implement the pedagogical and behavioral strategies required to successfully work with people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To enable individuals with ASD to achieve the benefits of exercise, physical activity professionals must be knowledgeable and skilled in relation to delivering evidence-based practices (EBP). The recent worldwide coronavirus disease pandemic highlights the value and necessity of effective online learning. Recent research has suggested that online settings are a viable setting for professional learning. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess an online course’s impact on physical activity professionals’ frequency of use and self-efficacy toward using EBPs with individuals with ASD. The online program was developed to provide training for a wide-range of professionals interested in working with people with ASD. A survey was administered to participants prior to and after completion of the online course to collect data on sample demographics, and the participants’ perceived frequency and self‐efficacy in using EBPs. Eighty-six physical activity professionals participated in the study. Overall, their self-efficac...
Source: Advances in Autism - Category: Child Development Authors: Source Type: research