LAUSR

Abstract Background For the first time this study aimed to examine the association of cognitive and social function with the physical activity behavior in a sample of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method Sixty eight children with ASD aged 6–16 years underwent an objective assessment of physical activity and cognitive flexibility. Parents were also asked to rate the social profile for their children. Results The results showed that age, gender and cognitive flexibility are associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Analysis also showed that parent education and social function were associated with continuous minutes of physical activity. Conclusions These preliminary findings indicated that children with ASD who had poor cognitive or social skills would be less physically active and more sedentary. Moreover, the results highlighted the age and gender as possible risk factors of physical inactivity in children with ASD.