#activity matters

Okay, this is one of those studies that feels really important but also very difficult to understand.

Wiggins et al. (2024) looked at autistic adolescents and found two things happening at the same time:

higher rates of depressive symptoms (~32% vs ~15% in non-disabled peers)

lower participation in activities like sports, clubs, and social events

And the key takeaway is: these aren’t separate issues. They’re connected.

When teens have fewer chances to be involved—whether that’s because of accessibility barriers, social challenges, or lack of invitations—it can quietly increase emotional risk. Activities aren’t just “extra” or nice-to-have. They’re a big part of how teens build confidence, routine, and connection.

One of the most hopeful parts of this study is about sports. Across all groups (not just autistic teens), participating in sports was linked to lower likelihood of depressive symptoms.

Not because sports magically fix everything—but because they can offer:

Structure

Predictability

Shared Goals

Built-in Socail interaction

And those things matter so much for emotional well-being.

What this means for caregivers (and honestly anyone supporting teens) Is that sometimes the earliest sign that something is off isn’t what a teen says—it’s what changes in their routine.

pulling back from activities they used to enjoy

Not getting (or accepting) invitations

Less participation overall


Those shifts can be quiet signals of distress.

The encouraging part? The study suggests that even small increases in meaningful engagement can help. It doesn’t have to be a huge change—just something consistent, supportive, and accessible.

In the end, this article does a really good job of reminding us that mental health and everyday participation are deeply connected—and that supporting engagement is one of the most practical ways we can support well-being.

Check out the article below to learn more!