PHYSICAL SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER IN SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTERS FROM GALICIA: TEACHERS' PERCEPTION AND BARRIERS TOWARDS PRACTICE

There is scientific evidence that emphasizes the positive influence of Physical Activity (PA) on health, with people who are physically active having a higher quality of life than those who are sedentary. Specifically, the practice of PA that combines moderate and vigorous intensity improves the physiological and psychological health of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The aim of this research was to analyse the offer of physical sports activities in Special Education Centres (CEE) in Galicia that provide Compulsory Basic Education (equivalent to Primary Education) and that have students with ASD, as well as the factors that influence the use of PA in classes, whether they are specialists of Physical Education (PE) or not. The analyzed sample consisted of 29 CEE teachers, who were sent an ad hoc questionnaire. The results obtained show that 51.72% of the teaching staff affirms that 100% of the students with ASD in their centre have a PE class. Likewise, 62.1% of the teachers indicate that only a quarter of the students with ASD do PA at recess. Swimming, psychomotor skills and athletics are the most practiced extracurricular or complementary activities.