Effectiveness of sand play therapy on challenging behaviors and anxiety in children with high-functioning autism disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Psychology of Exceptional Children, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Ph.D. Student in Psychology of Exceptional Children, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

3 Ph.D. Student in Educational Technology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of sand play therapy on challenging behaviors and anxiety in children with high-functioning autism disorder. Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design and control group. The statistical population of this study included all children aged 7-11 years old with autism disorder who received health care services from Tehran health centers and rehabilitation centers in 2018. In this study, 16 boys with high-functioning autism disorder were selected using available sampling method based on Autism Spectrum Scale Questionnaire, then 8 of them were randomly placed in the experiment group and 8 others were assigned into the control group. The Revised Scale of Challenging Behaviors of Bodfish, Symons, Parker & Lewis (2000), was used to assess challenging behaviors and Anxiety Inventory of Spence, Barrett & Turner (2003), was used to assess anxiety. The experiment group received a sand play therapeutic intervention in 10 sessions of 45 minutes during the two months individually. At the end, both groups were re-assessed. Data were analyzed using multivariable covariance analysis. Results: The findings of this study showed that sand play therapy reduced challenging behaviors and anxiety of children with high-functioning autism disorder. Conclusion: According to the results, we can use sand paly therapy to reduce challenging behaviors and anxiety of children with high-functioning autism disorder as an interventional method.

Keywords

References

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Empowering Exceptional Children
Volume 10, Issue 1
August 2019
Pages 1-14

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 August 2019
  • Accept Date: 10 August 2019

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