Effectiveness of Motor Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Japan: Scoping Review

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review of exercise interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Japan, to clarify the actual situation, and to obtain suggestions. [Methods] Scoping of PubMed, Ichushi Web, CiNii, and Medical Online, and a manual search using Google were used to screen the literature according to the selection criteria. [Results] Nine references were finally selected. They suggested that exercise intervention for children with ASD is effective not only for improving motor skills but also for improving social skills. [Conclusion] While the results suggest that exercise interventions for children with ASD may improve motor skills and social skills, the research designs were not sufficient for clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the interventions. Further validation of the effectiveness of the interventions is required.