ABSTRACT

Participation in recreation activities is an important contributor to quality of life and well-being. However, recreation participation and satisfaction are reduced among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to barriers at the individual and environmental level. Community-based recreation events offer inclusive solutions but remain understudied. This study sought to examine families’ goals for participation, explore their perspectives and evaluate their satisfaction following participation in a series of community-based recreation events. Anonymous data was collected for 53 attendees. Following quantitative and qualitative analysis, three primary goals for participation were identified: desire for an inclusive space, socialisation and spending time as a family in the community. Three similar themes emerged as the most valuable aspects of the events: non-judgemental environment, networking and social interaction, and fun activities. Lastly, aspects that participants disliked were categorised into five themes: environmental characteristics, opportunities for structured interaction, food options, geographical distance and incompatibility with age and/or interest. Overall, families were satisfied with the events, likely to attend again, and likely to recommend to others. The implications of the study’s findings are discussed, including considerations for improving community-based recreation events for individuals with ASD and directions for future study.

摘要

参与娱乐活动是提高生活质量和福祉的重要因素。然而，由于个人和环境层面的障碍，自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）患者的娱乐参与度和满意度下降。基于社区的娱乐活动提供了包容性的解决方案，但仍未得到充分研究。本研究旨在调查家庭的参与目标，探讨他们的观点并评估他们在参与一系列社区娱乐活动后的满意度。收集了 53 名与会者的匿名数据。经过定量和定性分析，确定了参与的三个主要目标：对包容性空间的渴望、社交以及作为家庭在社区中度过的时光。三个相似的主题成为这些活动最有价值的方面：非评判性环境、网络和社交互动以及有趣的活动。最后，参与者不喜欢的方面分为五个主题：环境特征、结构化互动的机会、食物选择、地理距离以及与年龄和/或兴趣的不相容。总体而言，家庭对这些活动感到满意，可能会再次参加，并可能会推荐给其他人。讨论了该研究结果的含义，包括改善自闭症患者社区娱乐活动的考虑因素以及未来研究的方向。参与者不喜欢的方面分为五个主题：环境特征、结构化互动的机会、食物选择、地理距离以及与年龄和/或兴趣的不相容。总体而言，家庭对这些活动感到满意，可能会再次参加，并可能会推荐给其他人。讨论了该研究结果的含义，包括改善自闭症患者社区娱乐活动的考虑因素以及未来研究的方向。参与者不喜欢的方面分为五个主题：环境特征、结构化互动的机会、食物选择、地理距离以及与年龄和/或兴趣的不相容。总体而言，家庭对这些活动感到满意，可能会再次参加，并可能会推荐给其他人。讨论了该研究结果的含义，包括改善自闭症患者社区娱乐活动的考虑因素以及未来研究的方向。