5. Research problem

This thesis covers the topic of physical activity development among adolescences with autism disorder. The purpose of this thesis was to study and describe the common problems of physical development among 13-16 years old participants of Väinolän koulu. The aims of the study were to understand the nature of autism disorder and physical growth issues in adolescents; to evaluate physical activity level of the participants who were taking part in gym classes provided by Väinolän koulu; and to discover the reasons of difficulties for kids to evaluate their locomotor and object control.

The research problems were:

• Why there is a problem for autistic adolescents to do physical activity (exercises) and learning new things at the same time ?

• What are the key points how to keep them motivated and get their attention ?

•  How to provide proper adapted physical education for adolescents with autism disorder ?

• How to choose proper physical activity tasks suitable for all students with different activity levels ?

6. Research method

In this thesis will be made using the qualitative research method. According to Barbour, “qualitative methods cannot answer questions such as ‘How many?’, ‘What are the causes?’, ‘What is the strength of the relationship between variables?’ It can, however, provide an understanding of how official figures are created through social processes” (2008, 11). A starting point for a qualitative research is to describe real life situations as truthfully as possible. However, reality is diverse. Incidents are shaped by one another simultaneously, and it is possible to find various connections between the incidents during the research process. In qualitative research the subject should be studied as comprehensively as possible (Hirsjärvi, Remes&Sajavaara 2010, 11).

1. Data collection

The research data would be collected by observation. After that, each participant will pass the special physical activity test, and then the data will be collected and evaluated with use of special scale. The scale template would be developed during the thesis process.

2. Participants

Target group for testing is currently participating in special activity lessons provided by Väinolän koulu. The age group of the participants is from 13 to 16 years old. For this study, 13–16 years old pupils with autism disorder were chosen because based on the previous literature, the adolescent children are most severely affected by the physical impairments. Testing will be made among the paparticipants with autism disorder of Väinolän koulu. The number of participants with autism at Väinolän koulu in age group 13-16 years is 3.

3. Data analysis

The data collected from observation would be analysed by special physical activity scale. Based on the results of each participant, physical program will be made with the purpose of use for the other participants with various mental and physical disorders who are taking part in gym classes provided by Väinolän koulu. After analyzing data, the final result swill be: physical activity program containing explanations of different type of exercises and the purpose of them, instructions of proper locomotor and object control exercises, modifications for different exercises, which are already existing in Väinolän koulu physical activity lessons.