Abstract

Therapy of autistic children aims at minimizing the problems typical for this condition, including the symptoms resulting from the so called autistic triad. The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the implemented therapeutic program, taking advantage of the elements of occupational therapy and the Veronica Sherborne Developmental Movement approach, applied in autistic children. The sample included 20 children diagnosed with autism (the age compartment ranged from 3 to 6 years). The project was implemented within one year. During the first six months the program was applied in 10 children. During the next six months, the next group of 10 children was subjected to the treatment. The results obtained from each group were statistically analysed and the progress was compared between the groups. Due to the lack of significant between group differences, the final analysis was carried out for the entire study sample. The patients were recruited from the population of children undergoing treatment at the mental Health Clinic in Wroclaw and the Centre of Rehabilitation and Neuropsychiatry “Celestyn” in Mikoszow. The basic diagnostic tool applied in the study was the Scale of Observation of Autistic Children Actions (SOACA), developed by Bogdanowicz. This involved observation of the changes occurring in five aspects of psychomotor development; the four aspects are considered basic ones. These are: the cognitive, emotional, social and motor aspect. The applied therapeutic program most effectively affected the emotional, social and cognitive aspects in autistic children. The treatment proved most effective in the following aspects of psychomotor development: the mood, physical contact, attitude to the activities and attitude to the partner in pair work. The proposed therapeutic program combining the elements of occupational therapy and Veronica Sherborne Developmental Movement approach proved effective; it supports psychomotor development in autistic children. The program can be included in the therapy of autistic children. However, the program should be carried out in an extended period of time to enable assessment of the long-term effects of the treatment.

Key words:

autism, autistic children therapy, a method of Veronica Sherborne, occupational therapy