‘Have a go, you might surprise yourself’: a qualitative study of the experiences of autistic adolescents and young adults of a community gym-based exercise programme

To explore the experiences of Autistic adolescents and young adults who participated in a 12-week student-mentored community based physical activity program called FitSkills. This qualitative study was embedded within a large implementation trial. The data sources were: (i) trial screening forms, including reasons for participation from 30 Autistic young people (24 with intellectual disability), and (ii) semi-structured interviews completed by telephone with 7 Autistic young people (6 male; Mage 18.6 years), 13 parents (11 mothers) and 16 student mentors (10 women). Data were analysed using content analysis (screening) and reflective thematic analysis (interviews). The most common reason Autistic young people and their parents gave for wanting to take part in FitSkills was improving physical fitness. Three themes were identified: (1) Relationships with student mentors ‘made it’ and evolved over time to becoming gym partners or friends; (2) Social support helped participants to navigate the gym environment, manage sensory needs and establish a routine; and (3) Exercise was perceived to have a positive effect on psychological wellbeing. A student-mentored community-based program can facilitate Autistic young people to exercise, by overcoming barriers to their participation and supporting them to navigate the community gym environment. The FitSkills model provides a framework of supporting exercise participation that is flexible, adaptable, and acceptable to Autistic young people and their families.Alongside a university-student mentor, Autistic young people can exercise confidently in a community gym and have positive, rewarding experiences.Support from a student mentor was especially important for: getting started, building a rhythm, trying new exercises, navigating the busy gym environment and learning social aspects of exercising at the gym.Improved psychological wellbeing was the most common benefit reported by participants, even though improved physical fitness was the most common reason given for participation. The FitSkills model provides a framework of supporting exercise participation that is flexible, adaptable, and acceptable to Autistic young people and their families. Alongside a university-student mentor, Autistic young people can exercise confidently in a community gym and have positive, rewarding experiences. Support from a student mentor was especially important for: getting started, building a rhythm, trying new exercises, navigating the busy gym environment and learning social aspects of exercising at the gym. Improved psychological wellbeing was the most common benefit reported by participants, even though improved physical fitness was the most common reason given for participation.