The effect of SPARK on social and motor skills of children with autism

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a selected group exercise known as Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) on the motor and behavioral skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a quasi-experimental design with repeated measures. Methods: Twenty-eight children with ASD (age range of 5e12 years) participated in this study. The participants were examined at baseline, pre-test, and post-test using Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP), Autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC), and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-second edition (GARS-2). Results: The results showed that the SPARK program significantly improved balance (static and dynamic), bilateral coordination and social interaction (p < 0.05) in children with ASD. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the SPARK’s training can be considered as a therapeutic option not only for motor enhancement but also for improving social skills in children with ASD. Key Words: neurodevelopmental disorders, social interaction, balance, coordination, SPARK program