Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder of the nervous system that usually manifests in early childhood, is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication. Occupational therapy is one of the most common therapies provided to individuals with ASD. At the same time, sensory integration therapy (SIT) is widely used by occupational therapists.
The aim of the research to investigate and compare the specifics of the effect of different approaches to occupational therapy on the dynamics of daily life activity indicators, sensory profile, and quality of life of early childhood children with ASD during the rehabilitation program.
Research methods: analysis of special and scientific and methodical literature; analysis of medical backgrounds and documentation; questionnaire Assessment of children's disability; Short sensory profile; Children's Quality of Life Questionnaire; methods of mathematical statistics.
In the first chapter, in accordance with the assignment of the dissertation research, the results of the analysis of scientific and methodological literature are presented. It has been established that early rehabilitation of children with ASD provides opportunities to acquire self-care and communication skills necessary in everyday life.
The second chapter describes research methods and their application traits, stages of research organization. The study involved 60 children with ASD aged 4 to 6 years who were admitted to the rehabilitation program.
The third chapter is devoted to the particularities of therapeutic interventions in the rehabilitation program for children. For 6 months, children in all groups received a basic rehabilitation program, which, in particular, included consultations with an occupational therapist (once every two weeks). Participants of the first main group (MG1, n=20) additionally attended classes with an occupational therapist (3 times a week), which were aimed at forming the skills of eating, hygiene, dressing and undressing, using accessories, light switches, and locks. Children from the second main group (MG2, n=20), in addition to MG1 therapy, attended sensory integration therapy twice a week, which took place in a specially equipped room and was aimed at forming and improving imitation abilities, spatial orientation, coordination, and sensory perception.
The fourth chapter, in accordance with the objectives of the dissertation research, presents the results of the analysis of medical records, activities of daily living, sensory profile and quality of life. The total score of the Children's Disability Assessment questionnaire had statistically similar initial results in the groups, and the final scores were the best in OG2 and the worst in CG. Both additional occupational therapy components had a positive effect on the dynamics of all items of the sensory profile, and the total score of the sensory profile was statistically better in the OG2 group. The overall quality of life score at the final evaluation was the highest in the OG2 group and the lowest in the CG.
The fifth chapter analyzes the obtained results and compares them with the conclusions and results of other studies, data from educational and methodical literature.
Key words: rehabilitation, occupational therapy, children, parental involvement, development, upper limbs, nervous system, autism, short sensory profile, coordination, social adaptation, activity of daily life, quality of life.
The fifth chapter analyzes the obtained results and compares them with the conclusions and results of other studies, and data from educational and methodical literature.
