Effects of a 12-week Special Exercise Program on Motor Ability, Cognition Function and Behavioral Change of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Growth Period

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of special exercise program on motor ability, cognitive function and behavioral change in children with developmental disorders. Thirty-four autism spectrum disorders (ASD) children participated in the study between the ages of 8 and 19, who were recruited from G school and organizations in Seoul. They were classified into groups for special exercise group (n=16) and control group (n=18). The contents of the special physical education program were conducted for 60 minutes, 3 times a week, and for 12 weeks in order of introduction, theme activity, and finishing. As a result, hand-grip strength was significantly increased in the special exercise group, with the one leg balance, and the sit-ups, but the control group showed no difference. Visual-motor integration with supplemental tests, sixth edition (VMI-6) showed significant increases in visual perception and motor coordination, paired associates learning (PAL) and childhood autism rating scale (CARS) in the special exercise group, but no difference in the control group. In conclusion, it is suggested that the implementation of special exercise program, which can be successful in the performance of exercise, may be effective in improving the visual-motor integration ability and cognitive function of children with ASD.