SURF PRACTICE IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER AT THE BANANINHA SURF SCHOOL - IMBITUBA – SC– BRAZIL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that occur before the age of three. It is suitable for clinically relevant disturbance in emotional regulation, cognition, or any behavior of the individual. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the benefits of surfing in children with ASD by assessing their overall balance and motor skills before and after 5 surf lessons. METHODS: quasi-experimental and quali-quantitative research. The study was carried out from January to March 2020 at the Surf school of Bananinha - Imbituba - SC, a final sample was made up of 6 men, diagnosed with ASD, aged 2 to 11 years, using a Scale Motor Development Program adapted to assess overall balance and motor skills. RESULTS: there was no significant result, but there was an 18% increase in motor age in relation to global motor skills and a 15% increase in motor age related to balance after surfing lessons. CONCLUSION: The practice of surfing can be considered as a remarkable intervention tool for children with ASD, because in addition to being performed in a different environment from clinics, it favors the child's interaction. Based on the sample data, it can be said that Surf lessons can contribute to improving the balance and overall motor skills of children with ASD, however it is evident that the present sample is considered small as well as the number of lessons, so it does further research is needed to assess the effects of surfing as a resource for physiotherapeutic treatment in children with ASD.