Learning From Children Identified with Special Educational Needs in Bradford: Towards Increasing Inclusivity in Physical Activity Research in Children and Young People.

Lack of physical activity (PA) is known to be associated with obesity which can have severe health consequences, both physically and mentally. The increasing number of children who are overweight and obese, both in the UK and worldwide, is a major public health concern. The evidence for how to prevent obesity with physical activity (PA) interventions is emerging, but most studies in children exclude participants with mental or physical health problems or neurodivergent children (autistic children or with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for example1). We know that these children are at the greatest risk of experiencing complications of excess weight. When supporting these children to increase their physical activity, we need to consider some additional factors, for example the sensory environment of the activities, or whether they are group or individual activities.
The Growing Up Cohort data was collected between 2017 and 2021 in children aged 7 to 11 and includes identification of children with special education needs (SEN) as well as information about behaviour from a short questionnaire (called the Strengths and Differences Questionnaire). This provides an opportunity to look at behaviour in children with SEN and their participation in physical activity interventions. We will use this to inform the design of future PA interventions to be inclusive of children with additional needs.