The influence of training with free-fight means on motor skills, sensory functioning and quality of life of a child with autism (unique case)

Abstract

The motor sphere of children with autism is characterized by the presence of stereotyped movements, difficulties in the formation of objective actions and household skills, and violations of fine and gross motor skills.
 The aim of the work was to establish the influence of adaptive training with elements of free-fight on the development of motor skills, sensory profile and quality of life of a child with autism.
 A 12-year-old boy A. with a diagnosis of childhood autism, social maladaptation (disability subgroup A) was chosen for the experiment. The child does not speak, cannot read or write, has impaired coordination of movements (walking on tiptoes, motor stereotypies, motor disinhibition), insufficient understanding of language. Somatically, the boy is healthy, loves motor activity.
 An assessment of the child's sensory functioning was carried out according to the Short Sensory Profile method, developed and recognized by The Psychological Corporation (USA), a survey of parents about the child's quality of life before the start of training and after a forced break in training, in addition, an assessment of the quality of direct blows with the hand and foot was carried out punching bags at each session.
 During the research period, the boy A. performed, under the guidance of a coach, exercises for coordination of movements ("obstacle course"), interaction with the coach (gymnastic exercises, various available games with a ball), exercises for developing the strength of various muscle groups (work with "Bulgarian bag", dumbbells) and special free-fight exercises (hits with hands and feet on punching bags and a dummy).
 A significant improvement of the child's sensory functioning was established, namely all types of sensitivity, except auditory filtering and sensitivity to taste and smell. The child's parents noted a significant increase in the quality of life of both the boy himself and the entire family. Significant progress was observed in learning the technique and the success of the boy's performance of special free-fight exercises. Adaptive training with elements of free fight served as a significant sensory stimulus for a child with autism, contributed to the learning of motor skills, and improved the quality of life of the family.