Influência do exercício físico na redução dos comportamentos estereotipados de criança com transtorno do espectro do autismo: estudo de caso

Abstract

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) results in an interference from neurodevelopment, a symptomatic dyad characterized by deficits in interaction and social communication and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behavior patterns. National and international literature has argued that among the characteristics of ASD, stereotyped (EC) or self-stimulatory behaviors deserve special attention because they cause damage to the motor profile and the child's interaction with the environment. The aim of the study was to identify the influence of a physical exercise program on the EC or self-stimulatory profile of a child with ASD, inserted in the context of inclusive child education. A case study was carried out with a qualitative and quantitative approach. A male child aged 3 years and 10 months was selected, with a closed diagnosis of ASD and moderate level, enrolled regularly in early childhood education and with specialized educational assistance in a public school in the municipal network of the city of Maceió-AL. The data collection procedures were structured in four stages: 1) Received external demand from the school's coordination; 2) Visit to the field school, and study authorization given to parents and guardians, 3) Application of the instruments (ATA and CARS); 4) Sections of observations, intervention (application of PEFaut). The statistical analysis was descriptive, of absolute and relative frequency, 95% confidence interval, mean, standard deviation (SD), minimum and maximum. The results found reveal a positive effect of the influence of an intervention program with physical exercise (PEFaut) in reducing the FB or self-stimulatory effects of the child with ASD and possible increase in the time for the student to engage in school activities, organized as follows: a) build a ball with modeling clay, b) scratch or scribble with crayons on an A4 sheet and c) glue paper balls on A4 sheet. It can be concluded that the intervention model based on coordination, strength and balance exercises (PEFaut) seems promising with regard to the influence of moderate physical exercise in reducing FB or self stimulatory in children with ASD in preschool age when previously applied to the child's routine school activities.