Effectiveness of motor activities with and without music on manual dexterity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of motor activities with and without music on manual dexterity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS). The present study was Quasi-experimental with pre test, post test and control group design. The statistical population of this study included all of the high-functioning children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kerman, from among whom 22 children (17 boys and 5 girls) in the range of 7-10 years old were selected from Autism Center and then randomly assigned to research groups. The research tool included Movement Assessment Batteryfor Children--Second Edition (MABC-2). The considered motor interventions were performed for 12 weeks, three sessions per week and 45 to 60 minutes for each session and also the Orff music was used during the sessions. Data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate covariance and SPSS20 software. The results showed, the intervention group with music had a greater effect on improving children's manual dexterity items. Also, the intervention group without music was improved in these items, but this effect was not as effective as the intervention group with music (P<0.001). According to the findings, that musical - motor activities can be recomended as a motor therapy intervention to improve manual dexterity for these children.