The Effects of Ball Skills Training on Adaptive Behaviors of Children with Hgh Functioning Autism

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 4 weeks ball skills training on adaptive behaviors 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 weeks (phase I), all of the children received their current therapeutic program as a control group. The second 4 weeks (phase II) intervention including ball skills training along with current therapeutic program was performed immediately. Participants received 10 sessions (3 sessions per week and each session took 45 minutes).Measurements: Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) were used to assess adaptive behavior and severity of autism respectably. There was significant difference of Mean on ATEC score in both phases using benffroni method. There was no significant difference of mean in subtests of Vineland including verbal communication, socialization and activity of daily living (ADL) in phase 1 but there was meaningful difference of mean in socialization (P<0.001) and ADL (P<0.01)in phase II. Results of the study indicated that the ball skills training along with current treatment improved adaptive behaviors in children with high functioning autism. It could reduce the severity of symptoms as well.