Abstract

Objectives: This study seeks to understand the function of physical activities in the development of social skills among individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder from the perspective of their instructors according to the variables of age, gender, and type of disability. Methods: A survey is created for this purpose. The study population includes (226) male and female instructors of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder from all the special education centres and institutes in the city of Jeddah. A simple random sample of (50) male and female instructors of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder is used for the study. Results: The study findings show that, for variables of age and type of disability, there are statistically significant differences at the level (alpha less than or equal 0.05) in the function of physical activities in the development of social skills among individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder from the perspective of their instructors. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the two female researchers advise to implement physical activity programmes for students because they play a crucial role in the development of various skills.