Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Mai Plong exercise program on motor ability and social skills of the child with autistic spectrum disorder. A single subject multiple baseline design across subjects was utilized. The subjects for this study were three children with autistic spectrum disorder from Roong Aroon school with ages between 15 and 17 years old. The subjects were trained in a 40-minute training session, 3 times a week for 8 weeks, totaling 24 sessions. Mai Plong exercise program consisted of 1) 10 minute warm up, 2) 20 minute exercise using Mai Plong in daily life and in Thai martial arts, and 3) 10 minute cool down. Motor ability and social skills were investigated at baseline and treatment phase. The data were analyzed individually by using visual inspection in a linear graph and using the split - middle method of trend estimation. The results of this experimentation revealed that: 1. At the treatment phase, the subjects tended to have better balance, agility and hand-eye coordination when compared to the baseline phase. When considering the percent change, all of the three subjects tended to have better motor ability. 2. At the treatment phase, the subjects tended to have better imitation, following rules, eye contact, and interest in others and waiting when compared with the baseline phase. When considering the percent change, all of the three subjects tended to have better social skills. Particularly in eye contact, all of the three subjects markedly tended to have better eye contact. In conclusion: Mai Plong exercise program was able to improve motor ability and social skills of the child with autistic spectrum disorder, especially in eye contact which was clearly improved.