"I've always tried to introduce it": how Latina mothers support physical activity for their autistic children.

Abstract

Physical activity has been shown to support motor development, socialization, and overall well-being in autistic children. However, little is known about how Latina mothers manage the challenges of promoting physical activity for their children. The purpose of this study was to explore Latina mothers' experiences, challenges, and strategies for supporting physical activity participation. Nine Latina mothers of autistic children (ages 5-14) participated in semi-structured interviews conducted in Spanish or English. A qualitative descriptive approach with a constructivist lens guided the thematic reflexive analysis. Three themes characterizing how Latina mothers supported their autistic children's physical activity were constructed: (a) Prioritizing children's needs over external opinions, (b) Confidence from past experiences and present challenges, and (c) I've always tried to introduce it. Mothers showed strong commitment to supporting their autistic children's physical activity, even when facing challenges such as financial constraints, limited access to inclusive programs, and safety concerns. Interventions should focus on providing bilingual resources, affordable options, and flexible programming that reflect the realities of Latino families and support long-term participation in physical activity.