The effect of body percussion training on anxiety, sleep problems, and social interactions of children with autism spectrum disorder

Objectives Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience social skill difficulties, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week body percussion training program on anxiety, sleep quality, and social skills in children with ASD.Methods Thirty children aged 6–10 years with clinically diagnosed ASD were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The experimental group participated in structured body percussion sessions three times per week for two months. The intervention involved rhythmic activities (e.g. clapping, stomping, vocalizations) and incorporated elements of traditional Persian music and the Farsi language. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS), Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale–Second Edition (GARS-2). ANCOVA was conducted to examine group differences.Results The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group in all measured domains. Anxiety levels decreased (p < 0.001), sleep quality improved (p < 0.001), and social interaction increased (p < 0.001).Conclusions Culturally adapted body percussion effectively reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and enhances social skills in children with ASD as a non-pharmacological, engaging therapy.