EFFECT OF TRADITIONAL SENSORY INTEGRATION AND FREE PLAY (COMMUNITY PARK) ON CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

AIM: To compare the effect of traditional sensory integration and sensory integration with free play among children in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

OBJECTIVES: To determine demographic data with outcome measures, to evaluate pre-test and post-test scores, and to identify potential differences between sensory integration alone and free play with sensory integration among children with ASD.

METHODOLOGY: This quasi-experimental study included children diagnosed with ASD who were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. Sessions were conducted three times a week for two months. Pre-test and post-test assessments were carried out using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). The control group underwent sensory integration therapy, while the experimental group received sensory integration therapy along with free play in a community park.

RESULT: Significant differences were observed in tactile sensitivity, under-responsiveness/seeking sensation, auditory filtering, and low energy/weakness between groups. No significant differences were observed in taste/smell sensitivity or visual/auditory sensitivity. These findings suggest that combining sensory integration with community-based free play may enhance outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Incorporating structured play environments such as community parks into therapy programs may offer additional benefits for children with ASD, particularly in sensory and social domains.