The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 10-month treadmill walking program (TWP) on target maladaptive behaviors (TB) in adolescents and young adults with autism. Five youth (3 males, 2 females; 16.6+1.7 yrs) with a primary diagnosis of autism, participated in this study. Participants were involved in a 10-month TWP (10-25 min sessions; speed 3.3-7.0 km•hr-1, grades 0-2.5%) that was incorporated into their regular physical educational curriculum 3-5 times per week. Three significant TB were monitored 24 hours per day and each behavior was recorded using a tally system. A singlesubject quasi-experimental ABÁ research design was used to determine outcomes. In this design, phase A represented 2-month baseline stage in which behavior data was collected but no treadmill walking was preformed, followed by a 10-month treadmill walking program (phase B) and another 2-month baseline stage (phase A’́). Four of the five participants demonstrated a reduction in TB during phase B when compared to other phases. Results of this study indicate that the exercise program used in this study could positively affect the behavioral goals in youth with autism.

Paper presented to the 3rd Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, April 27, 2007.Research completed at Department of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions, Wichita state university.