EFFECTIVENESS OF OUTDOOR TREATMENT PROGRAM ALONG WITH ART THERAPY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER-AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disability that appears within the early developmental stages of life. Outdoor play is seen as a crucial and valuable experience for all children. The goals of art therapy are to promote healing through creativity and enhance the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: AIM:The study aims to nd out the effectiveness of the Outdoor Treatment program along with art therapy in children with autism spectrum disorder and determine the better of these get best results & greater benets for autistic children. OBJECTIVES: To nd out the effectiveness of outdoor treatment program along with art therapy in increasing child's interest in treatment, improve verbal & nonverbal communication skills, improve coordination function, and minimize the aggression & repetitive movements in the autistic child. METHOD: Thirty patients selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The details of the treatment were explained to the subjects and written consent was taken from the participant's parents. They were treated with outdoor treatment program along with art therapy for 6 days/week, the patient were reassessed with CARS after 6 weeks. RESULTS: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Parametric test was used within the group analysis. A Greater signicant improvement in sensory & motor function was found after 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Outdoor treatment program along with Art therapy is effective to reduce aggressive & improvement in sensory & motor function of autistic child.