Hi, I'm Elizabeth Keener.
This presentation is called, Occupational Socialization and
Perceptions of Physical Activity Among Fitness and
Recreation Personnel at a College for Neurodiverse Learners.
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe a broad spectrum of learning differences,
including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
autism spectrum disorder and Asperger's syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia,
dyscalculia, and other social, psychological, or processing differences.
Neurodiverse individuals face challenges due to their processing differences and
limitations imposed by neurotypical environments,
including post-secondary institutions.
Since the 1980s,
post-secondary institutions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of
neurodiverse individuals have emerged across the country.
These institutions provide a unique opportunity to understand how neurodiverse
individuals navigate aspects of emerging adulthood, including intentions
toward maintaining health, and educational and occupational pursuits.
With the intention to inform quality physical activity programs and
interventions for neurodiverse adults.
The purpose of this phenomenological study, is to explore the occupational
socialization of fitness and recreation personnel employed
at a post-secondary institution for neurodiverse learners, as well as explore
their experiences providing physical activity for neurodiverse adults.
Participants in this study are 8 adults employed at a post-secondary institution
for neurodiverse learners, and are involved in the development and
implementation of programming in the fitness and recreation facility.
Of the 8 participants, 3 are graduates of the post-secondary institution,
and identify as being on the autism spectrum.
Participation included a 1-hour interview with the principal investigator, or
secondary investigator, and a follow-up 1-hour focus group session 2 weeks
after the initial interview, to confirm the validity of researcher interpretation.
Interview and focus group meetings were conducted via ZOOM to maintain social
distancing guidelines due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
We use the occupational socialization model to inform the development of
our interview guide.
Questions were created in each of the three phases of the occupational
socialization model, which are anticipatory, professional, and
organizational.
Examples of questions at each phase of the model are provided in the graphic
on the right.
Unfortunately, the timeline of this research project was
significantly affected by restrictions imposed by COVID-19, and
the severe winter weather that hit parts of Texas.
This research is currently ongoing.
The challenges experienced by neurodiverse individuals contribute to low physical
activity participation, perceptions of health, wellness, and quality of life.
It is important to understand how neurodiverse young adults navigate
emerging adulthood, particularly how they develop and maintain health and
physical activity routines.
The purpose of this study is to explore the role that personnel play in providing
physical activity programming,
as well as the occupational socialization experiences of these personnel.
Participants.
Participants in this study are 8 adult personnel involved in the design and
implementation of programming in the Fitness and
Recreation facility at a post-secondary institution for neurodiverse learners.
Of the 8 participants, 3 are graduates of the post-secondary institution, and
identify as being on the autism spectrum.
Procedure.
Participation included a 1-hour interview with the principal investigator, or
secondary investigator, and a follow-up 1-hour focus group session 2 weeks after
the initial interview to confirm the validity of researcher interpretations.
Interview and focus group meetings were conducted via ZOOM to maintain social
distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interview data are recorded, transcribed, reviewed and
interpreted by the research team to identify themes in the data set.
The research timeline was significantly impacted by restrictions imposed due to
the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as severe atypical weather in parts of Texas.
This research is currently in progress.
There are no results to report at this time.
The results of this research have implications to inform physical activity
program offerings for neurodiverse individuals transitioning to adulthood,
as well as contribute to a previously underrepresented area in adapted physical
activity literature.
I'd like to thank the Alumni Association at TWU for
providing funding to present this research.
I would also like to thank my partner, Jessica Garcia, and my faculty supervisor,
Dr. Suzanna Dillon.