VISUAL SUPPORT REDUCES ANXIETY IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ENHANCE THEIR VISUAL PERCEPTUAL SKILLS

BACKGROUND Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties with sensory processing that result in anxiety in certain situations. Aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of visual supports in reduction of anxiety levels and tolerance of transitions or switch over in children with ASD. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial METHODS With a sample size of 57, comparison was made between two groups i.e.; the experimental and the control group to see the efficacy of the visual inputs in reducing anxiety in children with ASD of age bracket 8-12 years old. Experimental group was given visual aids with occupational therapy sessions, while control group was only given conventional Occupational Therapy sessions. Pre and post analysis of visual perceptual ages and the anxiety levels of children were compared by anxiety scale for children-spectrum disorder and motor-free visual perception test. RESULT Significant increase in the visual perceptual ages with reduction in anxiety level was observed in experimental; no significant difference was found in control group. CONCLUSION Reduction in the anxiety levels was achieved after 4 weeks of intervention with improvement in the visual perceptual ages in the experimental group.