Eyes on Us: The Impact of Social Dominance and Ableism on the Participation of Children with Autism in Physical Activity

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of social dominance theory and the concept of ableism on the participation of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in physical activity (PA) from the perspective of parents. A total of 15 parents participated in the study. Designed within a phenomenological framework, this qualitative study utilized a semi-structured interview form developed in line with the relevant theoretical frameworks. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Within this scope, it was found that children with ASD gained physical, cognitive, psychological, and social benefits through their participation in PA. However, parents reported that their children encountered legal regulations and educational barriers during participation. These barriers can be interpreted as manifestations of group-based hierarchy and legitimizing myths within the framework of SDT, reflecting how institutional and attitudinal structures privilege neurotypical norms and sustain unequal access.