Improving social responsiveness of children with autism spectrum disorder through neuro-physical exercise

Abstract

Research on autism has always been conducted intensively among researchers around the world as this complicated childhood disorder is at the alarming stage due to the increasing prevalence rate every year. Among the impairments exhibited in children with autism, social responsiveness is one of the core deficits. Ability to socialize is an important function one should possess as people need to socialize and be accepted by the community for higher achievement. The purpose of this study is to identify the effectiveness of neuro-physical exercise intervention for children with autism to improve the five constructs of social responsiveness namely, social awareness, social communication, social cognition, social motivation and autistic mannerism. Neuro-exercise and physical-exercise were integrated in intervention group by using concurrent embedded design. Qualitative data was collected through parents’ semi-structured interview and observation on children in the intervention group. Quantitative data was collected through parents’ and teachers’ responses in Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Comparison was made between intervention (n=4) and non-intervention (n=4) group. Results showed overall improvement of all the five constructs of social responsiveness. The findings showed improvement in core elements was first identified in social awareness, followed by social motivation and social cognition. From the analysis, the existing social responsiveness was re-categorized. Findings from this study enabled parents to use suitable intervention program for their child at home. In addition, this study also assisted teacher to be more effective in adopting suitable teaching strategy to improve the social responsiveness of children with autism.