Effects of Qigong Sensory Training on Sensory Modulation and Behavior in Children With Autism

Effects of Qigong Sensory Training on Sensory Modulation and Behavior in Children With Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and a range of repetitive behaviors. Among these challenges, sensory processing abnormalities are highly prevalent, manifesting as hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. In sensory modulation there are difficulties in regulating and responding appropriately to sensory input from the environment. Sensory modulation can have a significant impact on the daily lives of individuals with autism, affecting their ability to engage in various activities and navigate social interactions. Autistic children also have repetitive behaviors, such as repetitive actions like self-stimulation behavior, or stimming. These behaviors can involve one part of the body, the entire body or an object. QST in which deep pressure with thumb apply on head, neck, trunk and limbs along deep breathing which give relaxation to body and have effect on sensory modulation and behavior in children with Autism. The intended project aims to evaluate the sensory modulation and behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through Qigong Sensory Training (QST).

A quasi-Experimental study will be conduct to evaluate the effect of QST on the sensory modulation and behavior of autistic children. 21 Participants will be included in the study with age of 4-12 years diagnosed with ASD. Participants will be received 15 mints massage therapy 2 times in a day and 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Before and after 8 week of intervention, Assessment of sensory modulation scale (ASMS) will be used to check the sensory modulation level and strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) will be used to check the behavior. Data will be collected from Nishtar Hospital Multan. The pre and post intervention assessments will be done. The reliability and validity of tools are mentioned. The duration of study will be 10-months. Data will be analyzed with the help of SPSS 25.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 4 to12 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
• Male and Female will be included in study.
• Parental/guardian consent to participate in the study.
• Children do not receive any other intervention therapy during study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with severe physical disabilities that significantly impair their ability to participate in touch-based interventions, as determined by a qualified healthcare provider.
• Children diagnosed with severe psychiatric conditions other than autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including but not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety disorders.