Comparing trajectories of sport participation for autistic- and non-autistic-youth: A group-based multi-trajectory modelling approach

Autistic children are less likely to participate in sport than non-autistic children, but we know little about how patterns of participation in team and individual sport change across childhood. Drawing on a nationally representative cohort of Australian children, this study analysed trajectories of participation in team and individual sport between the ages of 8 and 15 using a group-based multiple trajectory modelling approach. A five-group solution was found to be the best fit to the data, identifying distinct patterns of sport participation over time. In comparison with non-autistic children, autistic children were more likely to belong to the 'sport avoider' group with low participation in both team and individual sport at all ages. Conversely, autistic children were less likely to be classified in the 'team sportsperson', 'ex-team sportsperson' or 'mixed sportsperson' groups. No difference in the likelihood of belonging to the 'individual sportsperson' group was found. Risk factors for trajectory group membership were similar for autistic and non-autistic children. Our findings indicate that autistic children are particularly likely to experience exclusion from team sport environments, and this exclusion persists over time. Similar rates of participation in individual sport for autistic and non-autistic children indicate that these environments may be more supportive for autistic children.Lay abstractAutistic children are less likely to participate in sport than non-autistic children, but we know little about how patterns of participation in team and individual sport change across childhood. Drawing on data for a group of Australian children whose families were reinterviewed between ages 8 and 15, the present study patterns of participation in team and individual sport over time. Findings from the analysis suggested that children could be grouped into five patterns of participation in team and individual sport between the ages of 8 and 15. In comparison with non-autistic children, autistic children were more likely to belong to the 'sport avoider' group with low participation in both team and individual sport at all ages. Conversely, autistic children were less likely to belong to the 'team sportsperson', 'ex-team sportsperson' or 'mixed sportsperson' groups. Similar numbers of autistic and non-autistic children belonged to the 'individual sportsperson' group. Factors linked to patterns of participation over time were similar for autistic and non-autistic children. Our findings indicate that autistic children are particularly likely to experience exclusion from team sport environments, and this exclusion persists over time. Similar rates of participation in individual sport for autistic and non-autistic children indicate that these environments may be more supportive for autistic children.