The Effect of CrossFit Kids on Social Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (CrossFit KAMP)

The Effect of CrossFit Kids on Social Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (CrossFit KAMP)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 59 U.S. children have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Peer relationships, social skills, and repetitive behaviors are a challenge for those with ASD. Exercise in the ASD population has been examined as a means to improve some of these challenges for children with ASD. This research study will try to see if a structured exercise program called CrossFit Kids can help with these challenges. This study is potentially beneficial in developing an exercise program for children with ASD that can help promote social skill development, reduce stereotypical behaviors, and provide overall health benefits.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Full Scale IQ >80 on standardized testing
• English speaking
• Parents must be able to bring children to class twice a week for 14 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-English speaking
• Medical condition or physical impairment precluding them from safely participating in classes (eg. spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, critical congenital heart disease, uncontrolled asthma, uncontrolled seizure disorder, etc.)