Examining the Effects of Parent-Assisted Equipment-Based Pilates Exercises on Social Skills and Peer Adaptation in a Child Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Hatice Önder; Sevim Handan Yılmaz

Article Details

Examining the Effects of Parent-Assisted Equipment-Based Pilates Exercises on Social Skills and Peer Adaptation in a Child Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors:

Hatice Önder | Sevim Handan Yılmaz

Publisher:

Gazi University

Main Topics:

Sports Training | Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy | Physical Training | Sports and Physical Activity For Disabled

Journal:

Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Vol.30 Issue 3, pp.114-119

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001358846

pISSN:

2717-9966

Keywords:

Abstract:

 This study aimed to examine the developmental changes in social skills and peer adjustment of an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ASD following a parent-assisted reformer Pilates exercise program. The research was conducted using a case study design, one of the qualitative research methods. A personalized reformer Pilates program was implemented for 8 weeks, with sessions held twice a week for a total of 16 sessions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the participants mother and special education teacher and analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methods. The findings revealed that prior to the exercise program, the individual experienced various difficulties in physical, cognitive and psycho-social domains. After the program, significant improvements were observed in these areas. The individual showed notable progress in attention span, emotional expression, and initiating play. In conclusion, parent-assisted reformer Pilates exercises were found to contribute positively to the social, cognitive, and physical development of the individual with ASD. The findings suggest that such structured physical activity programs can serve as therapeutic and developmental interventions for individuals with ASD and should be more widely adopted.

 This study aimed to examine the developmental changes in social skills and peer adjustment of an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ASD following a parent-assisted reformer Pilates exercise program. The research was conducted using a case study design, one of the qualitative research methods. A personalized reformer Pilates program was implemented for 8 weeks, with sessions held twice a week for a total of 16 sessions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the participants mother and special education teacher and analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methods. The findings revealed that prior to the exercise program, the individual experienced various difficulties in physical, cognitive and psycho-social domains. After the program, significant improvements were observed in these areas. The individual showed notable progress in attention span, emotional expression, and initiating play. In conclusion, parent-assisted reformer Pilates exercises were found to contribute positively to the social, cognitive, and physical development of the individual with ASD. The findings suggest that such structured physical activity programs can serve as therapeutic and developmental interventions for individuals with ASD and should be more widely adopted.

 This study aimed to examine the developmental changes in social skills and peer adjustment of an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ASD following a parent-assisted reformer Pilates exercise program. The research was conducted using a case study design, one of the qualitative research methods. A personalized reformer Pilates program was implemented for 8 weeks, with sessions held twice a week for a total of 16 sessions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the participants mother and special education teacher and analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methods. The findings revealed that prior to the exercise program, the individual experienced various difficulties in physical, cognitive and psycho-social domains. After the program, significant improvements were observed in these areas. The individual showed notable progress in attention span, emotional expression, and initiating play. In conclusion, parent-assisted reformer Pilates exercises were found to contribute positively to the social, cognitive, and physical development of the individual with ASD. The findings suggest that such structured physical activity programs can serve as therapeutic and developmental interventions for individuals with ASD and should be more widely adopted.

 This study aimed to examine the developmental changes in social skills and peer adjustment of an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ASD following a parent-assisted reformer Pilates exercise program. The research was conducted using a case study design, one of the qualitative research methods. A personalized reformer Pilates program was implemented for 8 weeks, with sessions held twice a week for a total of 16 sessions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the participants mother and special education teacher and analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methods. The findings revealed that prior to the exercise program, the individual experienced various difficulties in physical, cognitive and psycho-social domains. After the program, significant improvements were observed in these areas. The individual showed notable progress in attention span, emotional expression, and initiating play. In conclusion, parent-assisted reformer Pilates exercises were found to contribute positively to the social, cognitive, and physical development of the individual with ASD. The findings suggest that such structured physical activity programs can serve as therapeutic and developmental interventions for individuals with ASD and should be more widely adopted.

Article Details

Examining the Effects of Parent-Assisted Equipment-Based Pilates Exercises on Social Skills and Peer Adaptation in a Child Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors:

Hatice Önder | Sevim Handan Yılmaz

Publisher:

Gazi University

Main Topics:

Sports Training | Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy | Physical Training | Sports and Physical Activity For Disabled

Journal:

Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Vol.30 Issue 3, pp.114-119

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001358846

pISSN:

2717-9966

Autism

Pilates

Peer adjustment

Social skills

Issues

Article Details

Examining the Effects of Parent-Assisted Equipment-Based Pilates Exercises on Social Skills and Peer Adaptation in a Child Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors: Hatice Önder | Sevim Handan Yılmaz

Publisher: Gazi University

Main Topics: Sports Training | Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy | Physical Training | Sports and Physical Activity For Disabled

Journal: Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Vol.30 Issue 3, pp.114-119

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 9/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001358846

pISSN: 2717-9966

Autism

Pilates

Peer adjustment

Social skills

Issues

Authors:

Hatice Önder | Sevim Handan Yılmaz

Publisher:

Gazi University

Main Topics:

Sports Training | Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy | Physical Training | Sports and Physical Activity For Disabled

Journal:

Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Vol.30 Issue 3, pp.114-119

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001358846

pISSN:

2717-9966