Increasing Regular Physical Activity Participation in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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I have a son with an autistic spectrum disorder and I'm also an experienced biostatistician. Your topic and idea are very interesting, but there is not enough information to properly evaluate what you are planning on *doing*. Please provide more information on your experimental design and data analysis methods. With enough detail, I would consider contributing both funding and assistance with statistical analysis.

Nov 28, 20170

Peter Sullivan

If you intend to use fitness trackers with wireless (like the Fitbit in the photo), this should not have gotten through the IRB. Wireless exposure is being studied as an environmental contributor to ASD. I do not know of any studies showing that it is safe for children, especially children on the spectrum: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928468013000370 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928468013000382 You should also expect a degregation of sleep quality while wearing the tracker: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891061815000599 From my experience will also see an increase in stimming: http://www.clearlightventures.com/blog/2016/9/8/autism-one-2016-the-wireless-free-tent-experience Here is a video showing the constant wireless output of a Fitbit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jv2pqWvvLI&t=34s The intent is excellent to get more movement and body awareness, but the use of wireless fitness trackers will undermine your well-intentioned study. A tracker that goes into airplane mode (Apple watch/Oura) would be good, a non-tech solution would even better.

Nov 27, 20170

Gabrielle SalvatoreResearcher

Thank you for your feedback. However, there have been a number of researchers who have used cellular technology, Fitbits, and actigraphs when working with children with autism. Upon further literature search, our team has not found empirical support for your perspective. The studies you listed above do not seem to review Fitbit technology directly, but more broadly radio-wave technology.

Dec 05, 20170

Michael Cohn

Are any autism self-advocacy groups or individuals with ASD involved in the development of this study?

Nov 22, 20170

Gabrielle SalvatoreResearcher

Hi Michael. I sent my project to an autism awareness group in Philadelphia. Some of the members read it over and agreed with the design of this study. Additionally, I have a cousin with ASD and other family members who work with developmentally disabled adults (a few of which are diagnosed with ASD.) We believe this project has the potential to make a great impact on the population.

Nov 24, 20170

Michael Cohn

Hi Gabrielle. Thank you for the response. Could you let me know whether any of the people you've consulted are themselves autistic, as opposed to family members or caregivers? I'd like to share your campaign with people I know in the autistic community, but it's very important to us that whenever possible, the population under study is included in designing the research (and this also seems likely to lead to more useful insights).

Nov 24, 20170

Gabrielle SalvatoreResearcher

Michael, those consulted for this project were professionals in the field or parents of autistic children. Thank you for the insight.

Nov 27, 20170

Costa TsoukalisBacker

Good luck. Hope you get your funding.

Nov 15, 20171