Middletown

Researchers are evaluating whether an 8-week community-based pickleball program can improve sensory-motor function and reduce the severity of core autism symptoms in adults aged 18 to 45 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who can participate independently without a caregiver. The study focuses on changes in visual-motor integration, proprioceptive bias, and autism symptom severity using established tests like the HaptiKart task and the Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd edition (SRS-2). This feasibility trial uses a delayed-control design to compare early-start and delayed-start groups, exploring the program's potential as a scalable behavioral intervention for autistic adults. Participants attend group-based, beginner-friendly pickleball classes twice a week for 90 minutes each session over 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. Classes include warm-ups, skill drills, supervised gameplay, and cooldowns, all led by trained instructors at community indoor court facilities. The study has two phases: Phase 1 involves randomized assignment to either immediate pickleball participation or a delayed start continuing usual activities, while Phase 2 offers the delayed group the intervention. This design allows both between-group and within-subject comparisons of outcomes. Participants complete baseline and follow-up assessments at community-based locations, including surveys on autism symptoms, depression, sleep, and quality of life, as well as sensory-motor testing with HaptiKart and pickleball skill assessments. Physical activity during sessions is monitored using a wearable ActiGraph device, and participants provide safety and program feedback through regular online check-ins. The study aims to measure changes in sensory-motor function and autism symptom severity over approximately 18 to 20 weeks from enrollment, with careful monitoring of physical and mental health throughout.