Psychophysiological state in children with autism spectrum disorders during comprehensive rehabilitation

Introduction.The absence of specific rehabilitation methods for children with autism spectrum disorders makes relevant the development and implementation of corresponding programs. Aim: the paper aims at evaluating the efficacy of adaptive climbing as a part of comprehensive rehabilitation for children with autism spectrum disorders. Materials and methods. The study involved 10 children with autism spectrum disorders from 7 to 9 years of age. Prior to the study, the informed consent of parents was obtained. A 3-month rehabilitation program involved massage, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and the elements of adaptive climbing. Psychodiagnostic assessment of children was based on the junior version of the Cattell-16 personality factor questionnaire. Non-verbal communication (eye contact) among children was estimated by the E. Gaydukevich method; disadaptive behavior was estimated by the A. Khaustov method; coordination was estimated by the throwing accuracy test. The significance level was established with the non-parametric Wilcoxon test. Results. The rehabilitation program with adaptive climbing affected positively the psychophysiological status and state of children with autism spectrum disorders. Program efficacy was confirmed by the levels of emotional stability and communicative skills that reflected the features of interpersonal interaction (reserved - outgoing; shy - bold). Conclusion. The results obtained show a positive effect of the rehabilitation program on children with autism spectrum disorders. The use of specific movement activities is a prospective means of rehabilitation, including a psychophysiological one, among children with autism spectrum disorders.