"It's just fun": a phenomenological inquiry into autistic youths’ lived experiences in physical activity

Autistic youth often face barriers to physical activity (PA) participation and may feel excluded or self-exclude from various PA settings. While previous research has identified barriers and facilitators, there remains limited depth understanding of autistic youths lived experiences. This study explores how autistic youth navigate PA participation through lived experiences of meaning. Using a phenomenological approach, the lifeworld of four autistic youth (ages 13–16) was explored through a combination of activity logs, qualitative interviews and accelerometry. The activity logs were used as a common starting ground, of which the participants had ownership, for reflection on lived experiences in the interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis guided the analytical process, and through this process, van Manen's lifeworld existentials resonated strongly with the interview material and became central to understanding the youths' lived experiences. Findings highlight the interconnectedness of the existentials, lived space, lived body, lived time and lived others. Through navigating their experiences of enjoyment, belonging, mastery and autonomy, the participants manage their PA participation. More concretely, experiencing oneself as an equal and meaningful member of the community, experiencing certainty, mastery of both technic, relations and the space, and control over both own time and context in activities where they experience joy, highly influences their participation.