Effects of Recreational Dance on the Attention Span and Quality of Life of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract Background/ objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effects of recreational dance on the attention span (AS) and quality of life (QoL) of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Methods Eighteen participants were recruited for this study. Both control and intervention groups participated in ball catching/throwing together for 30 minutes, with extra 30minutes sessions of recreational dance in the intervention group. Both attention span and QoL were measured using the manual stopwatch and the Quality of Life In Autism (QoLA) questionnaire, respectively before and after each treatment session. Results AS improved significantly in both groups but the intervention group had greater improvement (from p= 0.036 to p=0.004). Conclusion Recreational dance is beneficial for individuals with ASDs.