Effectiveness of BARAN Cognitive Rehabilitation Program on Executive Functioning Children With High–function Autism Spectrum

Abstract

Background and Aims Autism is a highly debilitating neurodevelopmental condition that affect behaviors and is caused by impairment in neurological functions, especially executive functions. In many studies, it has been reported that the brain areas including the frontal lobe, limbic system, basal ganglia, occipital lobe and cerebellum, and the frontal cortex and its connections with the striatal and occipital brain areas are involved in a wide range of cognitive functions called “executive functions”. The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Baran's cognitive rehabilitation program on executive functions (working memory, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility) of children with high-functioning autism.Methods This study has a single subject design with repeated measurements. The study population consists of all children with high-functioning autism who referred to Baran Clinic in Tehran, Iran in 2016-2017. Samples were 3 boys with autism spectrum disorder aged 8-11 years who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Assessments were done in 5 stages. The first stage was 2 weeks before the treatment. The second stage was performed 2 days before the start of treatment. The third stage was done after 5 sessions of treatment, which was held as a 1-hour session. The fourth stage was performed after 10 one-hour treatment sessions, and finally, the fifth stage was performed 4 weeks after the end of the treatment. Digit span, word span, and non-word span tests were used to assess the working memory. Digit span, Word span, non-word span tests was used to assess the sustained attention. Trial making test (A and B ) was used to assess the cognitive flexibility. After collecting and analyzing the data, the methods of visual analysis and effect size assessment was used Results The performance of children in working memory, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility improved significantly after treatment. Hence, Baran’s cognitive rehabilitation program based on balance movements was effective in improving executive functions of children with high-functioning autism.Conclusion cognitive rehabilitation program based on balance movements can improve working memory, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility of children with high–functioning autism.

Keywords

• cognitive rehabilitation
• movement and balance
• working memory
• sustained attention
• cognitive flexibility and autism