EVALUATING UGOPA TRAINING OUTCOMES ON GROSS MOTOR ABILITIES AND CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract

Barriers to physical activity, and Classroom behaviour are mostly experienced by the children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It also affects the communal and educational developments of the children. The way the gross motor (GM) abilities, and behavioural outcomes of ASD children are improved by the impact of Unified Goal-Oriented Physical Activity (UGOPA) training are analyzed in this study. The experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG) are 2 groups that are formed using 18 boys with high-functioning autism, ages 7 to 11. For14-weeks, structured UGOPA program was received by the EG, and there was no specialized intervention received by the CG. For balance, Stork Balance Test, and for coordination, Plate Tapping Test, and for behavioural analysis, Autism Social Skills Profile-2 (ASSP-2) are the assessments that are used. From the outcomes, children who received UGOPA training has some remarkable developments in the balance, coordination, and social behaviours. A notable decrease in disruptive behaviours are also highlighted by the outcomes. There are non-significant changes in the CG. The motor abilities are improved by the UGOPA training, and the social functioning and classroom behaviour are also improved by this UGOPA training, as per the findings. Then, a potent, evidence-based intervention for children with ASD in their behavioural and physical development are facilitated by the UGOPA and other structured physical activity programs. The ASD affected children are greatly benefited from the structured physical exercise programs, and it is the main emphasis of the study. Thus, the significance of integrating such interventions within educational and therapeutic settings are also highlighted in this study.