A Motor Program Based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Principles for Improving Motor Performance in Children with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a motor program based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), delivered through small games, in improving balance and fine motor control among children with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An experimental design was employed with a purposive sample of 30 children aged 5–8 years, divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The Dayton Perceptual-Motor Scale was used to assess balance and fine motor control at pre- and post-test.

Results confirmed baseline equivalence between the two groups on both dimensions (p > .05). Pre-post comparisons for the experimental group revealed statistically significant improvement in balance (t = 3.500, p = .002), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.904), and in fine motor control (t = 1.784, p = .048), with a below-medium effect size (d = 0.461), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group. These findings support the effectiveness of an ABA-based motor program in improving motor performance in children with ASD and suggest its wider application in educational and rehabilitative settings, alongside further research with larger samples and follow-up designs.