What does this research mean for the field?

A structured, community-based inclusive physical activity program utilizing adapted rugby drills and a coach-occupational therapist tandem model is feasible, safe, and supports social initiative and self-regulation in autistic youth. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and participation-related outcomes of an inclusive, community-based physical activity program using adapted rugby drills for autistic youth.

August 27, 2026Journal of Developmental and Physical DisabilitiesOpen Access

A Three-Year Practice-Based Mixed-Methods Feasibility Evaluation of a Community-Based Inclusive Physical Activity Program for Autistic Youth

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Authors

TWTorge Wittke MSMarina Siebert MEMaike Emmerich

Discussion

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Overview

Mixed-methods feasibility study shows positive engagement and safety in autistic youth during an adapted sports program, indicating community tandem models support inclusive participation.

Key Points

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and participation-related outcomes of an inclusive, community-based physical activity program using adapted rugby drills for autistic youth.
Conducted a 3-year practice-based mixed-methods feasibility evaluation in Germany spanning December 2022 to June 2025 across 116 weekly sessions.
Enrolled 12 autistic youth (N=10 with complete longitudinal data) in non-competitive drills led by a coach and occupational therapist tandem.
Synthesized parent interviews, practice logs, youth feedback, staff reflections, and a prospective incident registry.
Zero adverse incidents were recorded across 116 weekly sessions, establishing the safety of the adapted model.
Descriptive and qualitative findings revealed improvements in social initiative, cooperation, self-confidence, and in-session regulation.
Parents reported that gains generalized to everyday settings, highlighting predictable routines and sensory regulation as critical facilitators.

Cite This Study

Wittke et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8fea3310c91c1e926224c0 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-026-10091-7

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August 27, 2026Journal of Developmental and Physical DisabilitiesOpen Access

A Three-Year Practice-Based Mixed-Methods Feasibility Evaluation of a Community-Based Inclusive Physical Activity Program for Autistic Youth

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

TWTorge Wittke MSMarina Siebert MEMaike Emmerich

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Mixed-methods feasibility study shows positive engagement and safety in autistic youth during an adapted sports program, indicating community tandem models support inclusive participation.

Key Points

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and participation-related outcomes of an inclusive, community-based physical activity program using adapted rugby drills for autistic youth.
Conducted a 3-year practice-based mixed-methods feasibility evaluation in Germany spanning December 2022 to June 2025 across 116 weekly sessions.
Enrolled 12 autistic youth (N=10 with complete longitudinal data) in non-competitive drills led by a coach and occupational therapist tandem.
Synthesized parent interviews, practice logs, youth feedback, staff reflections, and a prospective incident registry.
Zero adverse incidents were recorded across 116 weekly sessions, establishing the safety of the adapted model.
Descriptive and qualitative findings revealed improvements in social initiative, cooperation, self-confidence, and in-session regulation.
Parents reported that gains generalized to everyday settings, highlighting predictable routines and sensory regulation as critical facilitators.

Cite This Study

Wittke et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8fea3310c91c1e926224c0 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-026-10091-7

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark