Nature as a preferential habitat in growth and socialisation processes in autism. A structured intervention

Authors

  • Nancy Fazzini Music therapist and independent researcher
  • Ramona Sorricchio Hyppoterapist and independent researcher
  • Sara Palladini Art therapist and independent researcher
  • Antonella Fortuna Psychotherapist independent researcher
  • Grazia Pezzopane Music therapist and independent researcher
  • Ferdinando Suvini Music therapist and independent researcher
  • Annamaria Porreca Department Of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G.d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara.
  • Alessandra Martelli Department Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, Via Renato Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23756/sp.v11i2.1462

Keywords:

autism, music therapy, equine-assisted therapy, art therapy, social behaviour

Abstract

Dysfunctionality in socialisation is undoubtedly the most crucial characteristic of autism. For a long time, social functioning and its improvement have been considered among the most important interventions in the literature. Individuals with autism are responsive to therapist-mediated and/or peer-mediated interventions that increase their social engagement. The present study examines the impact of outdoor integrated activities, such as music therapy, equine-assisted therapy, and art therapy, in autistic individuals (n=14). The analysis was carried out on the application of a questionnaire assessing three social skill domains: Joint Attention (JA), Imitation (IMI), and Turn-Taking (T-T) mediated by the therapists and by peers. The development and acquisition of these social behaviours were examined in a structured outdoor context (ASO). Data were collected by two independent observers by White's Scale questionnaire. The results revealed that the proposed interventions facilitated and led to an increase in social-behavioural experience.

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References

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Published

2023-12-27

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Volume 11 Issue 2 2023

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