Study: Freedom to choose their activities can help autistic individuals

By Staff Writer

A new report in the journal Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) reveals that autistic individuals who are given the option to choose their own leisure activities can improve their communication and social skills.

According to an international team of researchers, recreation time for people with ASDs can be frustrating because they are typically still advised by someone else during this "free time." However, autistic adults who are given several options and who can choose their activity during leisure time are more likely to feel empowered and confident than those who feel like they did not make their own choices.

The study, which was led by a professor from Penn State University, studied 20 autistic adults who took part in a yearlong recreation program and 20 adults who were on the waiting list. Adults in the program met for two hours each weekday and could choose among activities, such as games, crafts and exercises.

After the year, all 40 autistic adults participated in an examination that measured their abilities to recognize and label emotions. The group that attended the program scored 24 percent higher than the control group in recognizing emotions, and 50 percent higher in labeling these emotions.

Adolescents who have developmental disabilities may benefit from wilderness therapy programs, which aim to provide help for troubled teens with fun and educational activities.