Impact of a physical education service-learning programme on ASD children: A mixed-methods approach

• The service-learning programme was beneficial for all the parties involved. Families and PETE students agreed on positive impact of programme. experimental group improved significantly moderate physical activity. ASD children their motor skills. Background. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have few opportunities to engage in activity, which affects already limited social Different Service-Learning (SL) proposals designed meet this need started emerge, research is required better understand services provided. Objective. Two objectives were established study: (1) a education SL from viewpoints Physical Education Teacher (PETE) families involved; (2) analyse programme’s effects domain (physical activity levels basic skills). Method. study used mixed-methods approach. Thus, first objective, qualitative approach consisting interviews reflective journals sample composed 12 parents participating 52 students. For second quasi-experimental design 25 ASD, 15 (4 girls, 11 boys; age: 10.13 ± 2.56 years) 10 control (1 girl, 9 3.09 years). In part, triaxial accelerometers (Actigraph, xGT3X-BT) Movement Assessment Battery Children-2 (MABC-2) used. Results. Five content categories emerged approach, three shared by students: ‘Motor-related benefits children’, ‘Social regarding inclusivity’, ‘Teacher training quality’. addition, ‘Personal growth’ category students, ‘Desire consolidation programme’ families. Regarding quantitative showed significant improvements Activity performed weekdays ( p ? 0.001), as well Manual Dexterity 0.05) Balance (p variables MABC-2 test. Meanwhile, results remained stable or decreased. Conclusion. implemented involved successfully achieved priori. any case, further programmes needed guide future proposals.