Physical activity has been positively associated with reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Paradoxically, the physical activity participation rates of children impacted by mental health disorders are lower than their peers. This presentation will review factors influencing the physical activity participation of children with mental health disorders, along with methods of facilitating positive physical activity experiences for children with mental health disorders at home, at school, and in the community, including in community sport.

Specifically, the results of semi-structured interviews exploring the physical activity-related experiences of 20 children (aged 6-12-years) with a diagnosed mental health disorder and their parents/guardians (n=18) will be presented. Factors including children’s physical activity-related competence (e.g., fundamental movement skills, sport-specific skills, and social skills), social factors (e.g., relationships with peers and program facilitators, and the provision of support from parents/guardians), and environmental considerations (e.g., noise and group size) will be discussed. Additionally, outcomes from a pilot study that evaluated the implementation of a physical activity-based program, Fit for Play, into an existing Child and Adolescent Mental Health service model of care will be presented. The overarching aims of Fit for Play were to provide children with positive physical activity experiences, and to encourage continued physical activity participation. As a result, Fit for Play focused on developing participating children’s physical activity-related physical skills (e.g., fundamental movement and sport skills), social skills, and motivation and confidence, that is, their physical literacy.

The presenting team will engage the audience with current literature surrounding physical activity, physical literacy and mental health disorder diagnosis in children; emphasise the translation pathways from evidence into clinical practice; and will provide real life examples from their clinical practice. The presentation will conclude with practical suggestions for engaging children with mental health disorders in physical activity.