Early Support for the Development of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: a Case Study

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to show the effects of actions focused on supporting the development of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Conducted with an eclectic approach, these actions sought techniques tailored to the individual person and their problems. Children aged 5–7 years underwent a two-stage diagnostic procedure (preliminary and final) using Schopler’s Psychoeducational Profile (the PEP-R test). Between these two measurement points, they participated in a year long development support program using sensory integration stimulation techniques, fine motor skills stimulation, and dog therapy/animal-assisted therapy. The results obtained in each case attest to the applied proposals’ effectiveness yet do not allow for general conclusions to be reached. However, they can be a prerequisite for conducting a broader research project and developing personalised early intervention programs for children with ASD.

KEYWORDS:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• early intervention
• early support
• child development
• case study analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Act of 14 December 2016 Education Law (Journal of Laws of 2017, item 59 as amended) – Article 112 (2), Article 127 (5).

2. Rozporządzenie Ministra Edukacji Narodowej z 24 sierpnia 2017 r. w sprawie organizowania wczesnego wspomagania rozwoju dzieci (Journal of Laws of 2017 r. item 1635) – § 2, § 3 item 2

3. Register of waiting lists for specialists, prepared by the National Health Fund – http://kolejki.nfz.gov.pl/; report of the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) https://www.nik.gov.pl/plik/id,18657,v,artykul_17642.pdf