1144 - The Role of Dual-Task Technique in the Rehabilitation Management of Autistic Children

Objectives: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The first signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually appear within the first three years of life, but the diagnosis is often delayed by months or years due to the wide and varied clinical features. The three main areas of impairment include balance disorders, gait disturbances, and autistic behaviors.

 This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the dual-task technique in improving balance, gait, and autistic behaviors.

Design:

 This study was conducted at the Tunisian Association for the Care and Integration of Children with Disabilities (ATPEC Eph) in Sousse over a period of two months, with two sessions per week. It involved a sample of eight autistic children with balance and gait problems who met the inclusion criteria. The participants underwent a rehabilitation protocol based on the dual-task method.

Results:

The results of our study showed significant improvements in their balance, gait, functional abilities, and autistic behaviors.

Conclusions:

The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of dual-task exercises in autistic children.