The impact of sensory integration based sports training on motor and social skill development in children with autism spectrum disorder

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience deficits in motor coordination, sensory processing, and social interaction, which hinder their participation in physical activities. While sensory integration-based interventions have shown promise, the specific impact of structured sports training incorporating sensory principles remains underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week sensory integration-based sports training program on motor and social outcomes in children with ASD. Forty participants, aged 6-12, were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving sensory integration-based sports training or a control group engaged in standard physical activity. Motor coordination was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and social responsiveness was measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2). Weekly behavioral engagement was also recorded. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Cohen's d for effect size. Participants in the intervention group demonstrated a significant 17.2-point increase in BOT-2 scores, reflecting improved motor coordination. SRS-2 scores decreased by 13.2 points, indicating enhanced social responsiveness. Participation rates in structured activities increased from 45 to 85% over the 12 weeks. Statistical analysis revealed a large effect size (Cohen's d > 0.8) for both outcomes. Sensory integration-based sports training significantly improves motor and social functioning in children with ASD and offers a promising approach for therapeutic and educational rehabilitation programs.