Effects of Outdoor Sports Activities on Pragmatic Language Skills for Children With Autism in Pakistan.

The word Autism is derived from the Latin word "Autos'' which means "self" - immersion in one's own world. Autism is a disorder that manifests itself in early childhood, is disabling in many cases and is characterized by severe deficits in communication, social interaction, speech/language delays, sensory issues, repetitive and stereotyped behavior, limited interests. Autism was first described as a disease, by an American physician; Autism later came to be known as ASD (Autism spectrum Disorder) due to numerous disorders, various combinations of disorders, multiple unknown etiologies, subtypes and dynamics of the evolving disease. Autism is on the rise with a prevalence rate of 1-2% of infant population. In 2014, the 67th World Health assembly passed a resolution for "Comprehensive and Co-ordinated efforts for the management of the Autism Spectrum Disorders "which was supported by 60 countries, showing the relevance of the pathology. Research on Autism has increased recently, and publications have nearly doubled in the last 5 years, as this spectrum of disorders continues to baffle doctors and scientists and has no cure till now, but can only be managed.

Benefits of physical exercises/sports have been researched, discussed and documented in great detail in the past. But the purpose of this research study is to explore the (Pragmatic communication and social interaction) benefits of specific sports/physical exercises for children aged 5-7 years who are on the spectrum, children with ASD diagnosis. Psychiatrists maintain that certain brain connections develop in ASD children if they regularly indulge / participate in particular sports like athletics (running, jogging, other track events), hiking (exposure to nature), swimming, cycling, horse- back riding, team sports like; basketball, soccer etc. The co-ordination between right and left sides of the body is more important in these sports. Team sports are also a great way of involving ASD children in a social situation where they are more receptive to learning communication skills while opening up with peers, in a relaxed and happy environment. Endorphin; a neurotransmitter, is released in our body during exercise, which triggers a positive/happy feeling, making ASD children more receptive to learning / acquiring new skills through this mode of intervention.

Since all ASD children are unique, it is important to find the right choice of physical exercise/sport that fits their particular profile/symptoms, biomechanics for this mode of intervention to be effective in improving their pragmatic communication skills and social interaction.

The study aims to research the positive effects of outdoor sports activities on pragmatic language skills development amongst the Autistic children aged 5-7 years in Pakistani population. It will help establish a great mode of therapeutic intervention for developing Pragmatic language skills amongst children with Autism. Once established, this mode of intervention will also assist in creating a platform for much needed community based recreational activities for the Autism families in Pakistan.