Preventing Challenging Behavior Using Physical Activity With Young Children

• Published in: Topics in early childhood special education Vol. 42; no. 4; pp. 357 - 369
• Main Authors: Winchester, Claire, Barton, Erin E., Trimlett, Gabrielle, Ledford, Jennifer R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.02.2023; SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Autism Spectrum Disorders; Autistic children; Behavior Modification; Behavior Problems; Early childhood education; Exercise; Intervention; Males; Physical Activities; Playgrounds; Preschool Children; Preschool Education; Prevention; Program Effectiveness; Special education; Visual Aids; Young Children; engagement; single-subject designs; behavior; autism spectrum disorder; challenging behaviors
• ISSN: 0271-1214; 1538-4845
• DOI: 10.1177/02711214221080915

Antecedent exercise (AE) is an intervention used to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and improve subsequent behavior in non-exercise contexts. We used withdrawal and multitreatment single case research designs to compare the effects of baseline, AE alone, and AE + visual supports condition. Two preschool-age boys participated in this study. A masked secondary observer recorded interobserver agreement data for 100% of sessions; these data were continually monitored to detect biases. For one participant, AE alone was sufficient to reduce instances of challenging behavior during morning circle time. For the other participant, AE + visual supports was more effective than AE alone. These results point to the need for continued, rigorous research on the nuances of antecedent interventions for young children who demonstrate challenging behaviors. AE is but one such intervention requiring further investigation into for whom and under what conditions it might be effective.