Effect of an indoor climbing program on selective attention of children withautism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Purpose Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) focus their attention more easily through visual support. Indoor climbing requires focus and motor planning that enhance the cognitive functions and attention of children with ASD to follow specific routes differentiated by tape colours that act as clear visual prompts. Cancellation tests in mobile apps are frequently used to assess the selective attention of children with ASD using visual stimuli. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an indoor climbing program on the selective attention of children with ASD, using mobile apps featuring a cancellation test. Methods The sample consisted of 34 children with ASD (7 to 13 years of age) randomly assigned into an experiment group (EG) and a control group (CG). EG followed a 10-week indoor climbing program structured on visual cues provided throughout the sessions, whereas the CG did not participate in the program. Results Wilcoxon analysis revealed statistically significant differences between pre- and post- measures only for the EG group on selective attention concerning time (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and mistakes (<i>p</i> < 0.001). No differences were observed for the CG. Mann–Whitney analysis revealed significant differences between the EG and CG in post-cancelation test measures, in favour of the EG participants (<i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>p</i> < 0.002 for time and mistakes, respectively). Conclusions The findings support that indoor climbing is effective in promoting the selective attention of children with ASD through visual cues. Future studies could focus on climbing interventions using visual prompts to promote selective attention and other cognitive functions of children with ASD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.