Abstract

ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPHY IN ENHANCING FUNCTIONAL SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. IN BISHOP SARGENT SCHOOL FOR THE MENTALLT RETARDED, PALAYAMKOTTAI- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

H. Thilagavathi*, J. Sriram*, K. Shyamala*, A. Anbumalar*, T. Maharasi Maniselvi*

ABSTRACT

Background: “Siddha Balavaagadam” describes “Maandha sanni” as respective restricted behaviour, poor eye contact, lack of facial expression, lack of response, delayed speech or flat robotic speech, repeating the same phase, aggressive behaviour and gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms correlate with Autism Spectrum disorder(ASD). Aim: To caliberate effectiveness of occupational therapy in the management of maandha sanni among the paediatric age group. Method: It is an observational study conduced among 20 autistic children in Bishop Sargent school for mentally retarded using ISAA Scale. The score was recorded in the beginning of the study (August) and end of the study (November) to measure the effectiveness of the therapy. Discussion: The percentage of response in socialresponse and reciprocity, emotional responsiveness, speech language and communication, behavioural pattern, cognition component and sensory aspect were discussed. Conclusion: This study conclude that the occupational therapy is effective for the autistic children and help the to live independently.

Keywords: Maandha sanni, ISAA SCALE, Effectiveness, Occupational therapy, Bishop sargent school.