Teaching Two-Wheeled Bicycle Riding to Children with Autism at Home Using Behavior Management Strategies

Authors

  • Megan MacDonald College of Public Health and Human Sciences
  • Nicole M. Cook Oregon State University
  • Dale Ulrich University of Michigan

Keywords:

behavior, modification, children, bicycle

Abstract

 Behavioral interventions for children with ASD typically

target disability specific behaviors such as social skills and

communication. There is a particular need for age-appro priate

interventions/programs for school-aged children with

ASD to teach age-appropriate behaviors (Dawson & Burner,

2011). Adapted physical activity appears to be an appropriate

means to help eliminate this disparity and teach age appropriate

motor behaviors (Staples & Reid, 2010; Mac-

 Donald, Esposito & Ulrich, 2011; MacDonald, Lord & Ulrich,

2013). The purpose of this paper is to outline the behavior

management strategies used in a two-wheeled bicycle riding

 intervention for children with autism, and provide examples

of how these techniques can be transferred to the home environment.

Examples are provided as to how parents or other

family members can utilize these behavior modification

techniques to increase two-wheeled bicycle riding frequency

at home for school-aged children with ASD.

Published

2015-06-04

Issue

Section

Feature Articles