Effectiveness of visual schedule in combination with sensory-integration therapy for developing self-care in children with autism

Background: Developmental disorders like autism are heterogeneous and lifelong disorder which will have mild-to-severe limitations for which they rely heavily on others for support in self-care, daily living, employment, relation, and overall independent living. Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the effect of visual scheduling for developing self-care in children with autism and to incorporate the visual scheduling as a therapeutic intervention in combination with sensory integration therapy (SIT). Study Design: This was pretest–posttest control group design. Methods: Convenient sample of 32 children with autism were screened with childhood autism rating scale (CARS) were allotted to experimental and control group. The pretest score was taken using Wee-FIM, after that, both groups underwent 12 weeks of intervention. Experimental group followed conventional therapy (SIT) along with visual schedule protocol of self-care and control group followed conventional therapy and the culture-based rearing techniques. The potential impact of the program on participation was assessed as post Wee-FIM score. Results: The present study aimed at knowing the effectiveness of the combined approach of visual schedule and SIT for increasing self-care in children with autism. Statistical analysis shows that there is a significant difference between both groups after posttest. Result shows the change in mean score 25.56–40.43. Moreover, the result is highly significant at the level of P = 0.00 (95% confidence interval). Conclusions: This study shows the combined effect of visual schedule and SIT is an effective intervention to improve self-care activities in children with autism.