Publication details
THE ROLE OF PRESCHOOL EDUCATION AND HOLIDAY FAMILY PROGRAM ON MOTOR SKILLS AND HEATLH VARIABLES DEVELOPMENT ON CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (CASE STUDIES)
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2014 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Education of preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in special kindergartens is recommended to both school staff and families. The goal of the study is to assess motor skills performance and health related behavior of preschoolers with ASD after two months controlled intervention program, after two months holiday without controlled program, and to formulate recommendation for kindergarten staff and families. Four male aged from 64 to 75 months were assessed at the time of the first assessment, four months older at the end of the project. Boys attended a kindergarten focused on special education of children with ASD and developmental delay. The special intervention program, was applied in May-June 2010. After this the children spent two month’s holiday in families with very good care but without PE intervention program. Assessment of health oriented fitness and skills was realized three times: pre-test, post-test after intervention, post-test after holidays. Both quantitative and qualitative aspects of their performance were examined. Boys were assessed with Movement Assessment Battery for Children, version 1 (M-ABC, Henderson, & Sugden, 1992). Over the course of the intervention the four participants improved their motor skills and behavior standards. After the holiday all children decreased their level of motor skills. Parents were informed. The study concluded that if preschool children with ASD could be involved in a systematic physical activity at least twice a week during the whole year they would improve their motor and social skills, which would help them in their future development. Pre-school PE has to play an important role even in parental communication. As parents of assessed boys were emotionally involved in this study the guide of the recommended program was formulated for them. |