EFFECT OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR IMPROVING STEREOTYPICAL BEHAVIOR OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Ms. Nidhi Sharma and Dr. Neelam Kumari Sharma

Abstract

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of recreational activities on stereotypical behavior of autistic children. Autistic children suffer greatly from stereotypical behavior as compared to their peer group. For conducting experiment ten (10) autistic children five (5) in experimental and five (5) in control group from Mini Bright Future Mentally Challenged Scholl Gosianpur Punjab (India) were taken from random sampling technique. All subjects were between the age group of 8-14 years of age. After the suggestions of expert a programme of recreational activities were prepared, this was based on the interest of samples. In order to analyze experimental effects, analysis of covariance(ANCOVA) was appliedand tested at 0.05 significant levels. Training was given up to ninety (90) weeks to experimental group only. Training of selected recreational activities was imparted to the subjects six days in a week. Recreational activities inculcated to the subjects were i.e. Bowling, Thambola, Rapid Fire, Crazy Eight, Hit on the goal, On the spot jump, Hide & Seek, Arrange the circle, Musical Chair, Match the colors of balloons, Singing, Dancing, Blowing the Balloons, Soft Ball throw etc. Pre and post stereotype behavior status were checked by self made Scale which was standardized with the suggestion of national and international experts.

Keywords: Activities, Stereotypical behavior and Autistic Children