Understanding one’s body and movements from the perspective of young adults with autism: A mixed-methods study

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 78
Author(s): Ingrid Bertilsson, Amanda Lundvik Gyllensten, Arve Opheim, Gunvor Gard, Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund
BackgroundThere are but a few studies of how persons with autism perceive their bodies and movements. Difficulties in perceiving the surrounding world along with disturbed motor coordination and executive functions may affect physical and psychological development.AimsTo explore the experiences of body and movements in young adults with autism and how two physiotherapeutic instruments may capture these experiences.ProceduresEleven young adults (16–22 years) with autism were interviewed and assessed using Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT2) and Body Awareness Scale Movement Quality and Experience (BAS MQ-E). Following a mixed- methods design, the interviews were deductively analyzed and conceptually integrated to the results of the two assessments.ResultsExperiencing conflicting feelings about their bodies/movements, led to low understanding of themselves. The assessments captured these experiences relatively well, presenting both movement quality and quantity. Positive experiences and better movement quality related to having access to more functional daily strategies.ConclusionCombining motor proficiency and body awareness assessments was optimal to understand the participants' experiences.ImplicationsTo capture body and movement functions in persons with autism in this standardized manner will lead to improved and reliable diagnoses, tailored interventions, increased body awareness and activity, and enhanced quality of life.



https://ift.tt/2rKZWYW