Physical Activity Among Teenage Youth With Autism Less Than Among Their Neurotypical Peers

The number of days youth ages 9 to 18 engaged in vigorous physical activity dropped more among those with autism than among their neurotypical peers participating in a longitudinal study. At age 9, youth with autism and neurotypical youth had a similar activity level profiles. More than half of each group engaged in at least 20 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity (sufficient to raise their heart rates and respiration) for six or more days out of the previous 14 days; such activities include playing football, jogging/running, or fast cycling. At age 13, both groups became less active . . .