Stakeholder Perspectives on Physical Activity in Youth With Developmental Disabilities: A Mixed Methods Study

We explored factors associated with physical activity (PA) engagement in youth with developmental disabilities (DD) as they transition out of school. We conducted focus group discussions with 44 youth, families, special educators, and therapists to obtain information on PA levels, barriers to being active, and recommendations to improve PA among youth. Youth preferred activities that are fun, not too challenging, noncompetitive, and promoted interactions with neurotypical peers. Families face the burden of sustaining PA in their adult children after school age and experience barriers related to accessibility and affordability of adult-oriented programs, availability of trained personnel, and challenges in balancing multiple work and family-related commitments. Our findings can inform the design of programs to promote PA among youth with DD.