Influence of adaptive physical education on motor possibilities, behavior and quality of life of children with autism

Abstract

The aim of the work is to establish the impact of adaptive physical education classes according to our proposed method on the motor abilities and behavior of children with autism spectrum disorders and on the quality of life of their families. Material and methods. Analysis and generalization of literature data on the peculiarities of psycho-motor development of children with autism, their behavior. Development of methods of adaptive physical education of children with autism, which includes exercises for the development of general and fine motor skills, imitation, coordination of movements and the development of physical qualities such as strength, agility, flexibility. Expert assessment of test exercises. Questionnaire of parents about the psychophysical condition of their children and the quality of life of families raising a child with autism. Methods of mathematical statistics. Results. It has been established that children with autism have significant impairments of motor activity and psychophysical condition, which significantly affects the quality of life of children and their families. There is a very low level of development of motor skills. Parents of children in the experimental group noted that from now on their children began to have fewer problems with movement, their movements became more coordinated and it became easier to move. In terms of self-care and self-care, the difficulties became less significant (average level), the usual daily activities also became easier, the phenomena of discomfort and anxiety decreased. Conclusions. Children with autism have significant deviations in motor development, arbitrariness of movements, understanding of expediency of movements, general motility of the body. Classes in adaptive physical education according to our proposed method allowed children with autism to overcome most motor disorders, which was a prerequisite for improving higher nervous activity and behavior. Significant improvement of psychophysical condition of children as a result of employment, and also growth of quality of life is established.