The Effects of Ball Skills Training on Motor Development of Children with High Functioning Autism

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of 4 weeks ball skills training on gross and fine motor development of 14 children (12 boys and 2 girls) aged 4-7 years old with high functioning autism.

The study was designed in two phases: In the first 4 week (phase I), all of the children received their current treatments. The second 4 week (phase II) followed immediately and participants received 10 sessions of ball skills training. Current treatment in phase II was performed as well. Repeated measurement variance analysis and Bonferroni test were used for data analysis.

Improvements were seen in fine and gross motor skills in phase II rather than phase I subsequent to ball skills training. Although ATEC scores decreased in both phases, but there was significant differences of motor skills mean between two phases, as mean score in phase II was significantly higher than phase I.

Results of the study indicate that the ball skills training along with current treatment improved motor skills and holds potential for reducing severity of autism symptoms.