Exploring the use of a dance-based exergame to enhance autistic children's social communication skills in the home and school environments: a feasibility study

• Published in: International journal of developmental disabilities Vol. ahead-of-print; no. ahead-of-print; pp. 1 - 18
• Main Authors: Morris, Phoebe O., Hope, Edward, Foulsham, Tom, Mills, John P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 2025
• Subjects: autism spectrum disorder; communication skills; dance; exergaming; physical activity; social development; exergaming; autism spectrum disorder; dance; social development; communication skills; physical activity
• ISSN: 2047-3869; 2047-3877
• DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2023.2212985

Purpose: Autistic individuals often display social-communicative differences affecting aspects of daily living. The present study assessed the feasibility and potential efficacy of a dance-based exergame for enhancing autistic children's social-communication skills. Methods: A mixed method, within-subject, pre-test/post-test study design was employed. Children in their home (n = 4; M age = 8.25 years old, SD = 0.50) and school environments (n = 31; M age = 10.87 years old, SD = 1.61) participated in a dance-based exergaming intervention (Just Dance) for six weeks. Results: A positive change in children's social-communication skills was observed (p < 0.01). Results suggest Just Dance was easy to implement and enjoyable. Conclusion: A larger randomised control trial is warranted to confirm the effectiveness of the dance-based exergame.