| Popis: |
An increasing percentage of the population of children are affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Children with ASD often have difficulty interacting with others and deviating from routine, which can negatively impact the quality of their lives. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of proprioceptive occupational therapy interventions on children with ASD. The retrospective case study variables obtained from patient records include demographics, occupational therapy appointment observations, and functional independence and interaction with the environment observations (e.g., eye contact, speech production, facial expressions). Children with ASD (N= 4; 3±0.82 years), were provided proprioceptive input during occupational therapy appointments (such as deep pressure, heavy work tasks, tactile input), and the occupational therapist noted the child's behavior. Speech production, eye contact, greeting hello/goodbye, taking turns, task completion, functional use of play items, facial expressions, and impulse control were ranked by the occupational therapist on scale of 1 (dysfunctional) to 4 (fully functional). The scores were combined to give a total percent functioning/engagement with the environment and others. The average change in the percent functioning/engagement from the first to last observed session was +2.1%. By recording these observations at each appointment, changes were tracked from session to session. Each subject showed improvement, by an average of +1, in at least one variable (e.g., eye contact, task completion, taking turns, and functional use of play items). There is no clear method of delivery to garner the best outcomes in those with ASD. Types, modes, and individual symptoms need further exploration to yield pertinent and reproducible interventions for increased positive functioning in those with ASD. |
