The master's thesis examines the challenges faced by children with autism spectrum disorders in physical activities and the adaptations that professionals can apply to enhance their performance and inclusion. It is widely recognized that regular participation in physical activities significantly contributes to improving the quality of life, making it crucial to research and develop this field for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Due to specific characteristics in communication, behavior, sensory perception, and motor skills, as well as a broad range of diverse traits, children with autism spectrum disorders encounter many challenges in participating in physical activities, both in school settings and in the context of leisure activities. The research focuses on examining these challenges and proposing effective adaptations to help professionals better integrate children with autism spectrum disorders into physical activities. The empirical part includes a qualitative study based on the observation of three children with autism spectrum disorders in a specialized physical activity program called "Specialni telovaj". The most frequently observed challenges were related to maintaining attention, transitioning between activities, and understanding instructions for physical activities. The adaptations included structuring the space, using visual supports, and adjusting tasks to the individual needs of the children. Based on the research results, a checklist was created that covers the most common challenges and appropriate adaptations to facilitate the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorder in physical activities. This checklist can assist professionals and activity providers in planning and individualizing physical activities, thereby improving the accessibility and quality of physical experiences for children with autism spectrum disorders.
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