the effectiveness of Psycho-motor rehabilitation (Dohsa-hou) method on executive functions, mental flexibility and the theory of mind in high performance autistic children

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Psycho-motor rehabilitation (Dohsa-hou) method on executive functions, mental flexibility and the theory of mind in high performance autistic children in Behbahan city. Research design was a semi experimental type of pre-test and post-test with control group. The subjects were 10 autistic children with high performance whom were selected by convenience sampling method that randomly assigned to two test groups (5 people) and a control group (5 people). The data was collected by implementing Gilliam Autism Ranking Scale GARS (1995), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function BRIEF (2000), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST (1948) and the Theory of Mind Test (1999). To perform the intervention, first both test and control groups, were pre-tested. The test group received interventions during 12 sessions of 60 minutes. Then, from the both groups, post-test was taken and after one month the research was terminated by follow-up. For data analysis, one-way covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was applied. The results showed, Dohsa-hou method was effective on the executive functions, mental flexibility and the theory of mind in high-performance autistic and this result was sustained after one month follow-up.