The Effect of Spark Motion Program and Music on Stereobehavior of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background and Objectives: Stereotyped movements are one of the main symptoms in children with autism and can cause disruption in the daily life of the child. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Spark exercise program and music on stereotyped behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder. Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental, before and after study. The study sample consisted of 20 children aged 5 to 12 years with autism in Boroujerd in 2021 who were included in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Stereotyped behaviors were measured by the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS) scale. Then the intervention consisted of 24 sessions of Spark exercise program with music, 3 sessions lasting for 45 minutes per week for 8 weeks. Instruments completed immediately and one month after the intervention and the results were compared with the pre-test results. Results: According to the analysis of variance with repeated measures, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean score of stereotyped behavior before the intervention, immediately after the intervention and one month after the intervention (P = 0.0001, F (1, 19) = 12.6). Conclusions: The results showed that spark and music program can be effective in reducing stereotyped behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. Therefore, given the simplicity, effectiveness and cheapness of these activities, it is recommended to be used by educators and families as a way to improve the social life of these children.