A Review of the Effects of Exercise Intervention on Brain and Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent social communication deficits, restricted repetitive behaviors, and motor impairments. Current interventions primarily target cognitive and behavioral symptoms, yet systematic, cost-effective, and broadly accessible programs remain insufficient. Physical exercise has shown potential as a practical supplementary strategy. Using a literature review methodology, this paper synthesizes existing evidence on how exercise interventions affect brain structures and networks—specifically the prefrontal cortex, mirror neuron system, cerebellum, and large-scale functional connectivity—and how these neural changes relate to behavioral outcomes in children with ASD. The review finds that structured physical activity may enhance prefrontal executive control, improve sensorimotor integration, and facilitate social-cognitive processing, thereby reducing stereotyped behaviors, improving social skills, and promoting motor development. The paper concludes that exercise intervention should be regarded not merely as physical training, but as a comprehensive, low-cost, and feasible approach that supports brain plasticity and functional improvement, offering valuable implications for schools, families, and rehabilitation settings.