Effect of O Sit Cushion on Stereotypic Movements in Children with Autism using ABA Method

Autistic disorder appears in early childhood in the form of degradation in the quality of social interaction and repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Some researchers have stated that the stereotypic behavior in these children is due to, some sensory insufficiencies against sensory stimuli. The purpose of the present study was investigating the effect of using "O" shaped air cushions, as a sensory processing strategy, on stereotypic movements in 4 to 14 year old children with autism.
The current study was performed using a single subject design (ABA) on four children in Khorshid Rehabilitation Centre for under fourteen year old children, during 5 consecutive weeks. The type and frequency of each stereotypic movements were examined by watching video tape before, during, and after using this cushion.
The findings showed that the use of this cushion, when the child was sitting on therapy cushion (during phase B), reduced stereotypic movements and increased cooperation with the teacher. After removing the cushion (during phase A), the stereotypic movements became almost similar to those before using this cushion (during phase A). Yet, in one child the result was precisely vice versa.
Based on the results of the present study, using therapy cushion can reduce the stereotypic movements in a child with autism. The stereotypic movements of the child were almost similar when they were compared between the time the child was sitting on this cushion and after removing it and sitting on typical chair. Yet, this finding needs further investigation by controling external factors influencing stereotypic movement.