Effectiveness of Interactive Module of Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face challenges in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing, which affect their ability to engage in everyday tasks. Occupational therapy (OT) has been recognized as an effective intervention to improve the functional skills of children with ASD. In response, interactive modules of occupational therapy have been developed to enhance the therapy experience by offering personalized, engaging, and accessible therapeutic tools. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the interactive module of occupational therapy in enhancing participants' understanding and practical skills in handling children with ASD. The module aims to address core areas of motor skills, sensory integration, and social participation through interactive learning tools that are engaging and user-friendly. This study used a pre-test and post-test quantitative approach to measure participants’ knowledge before and after undergoing the module. Results showed significant increases in understanding across all areas: autism therapy needs improved from 37% to 81%, early home interventions from 43% to 85%, and home-based intervention simulations from 39% to 86%. Participants also expressed high satisfaction with the program content (mean: 3.961) and the speaker’s effectiveness (mean: 3.968), indicating a well-received and impactful learning experience. The findings align with previous research on the benefits of hands-on, simulation-based learning in improving understanding and retention. Overall, the interactive module of occupational therapy proved to be a valuable educational tool, equipping participants with practical strategies to support autistic children both at home and in therapeutic settings. The findings of this study provide insights into the potential of interactive therapeutic tools as a supplementary intervention to traditional occupational therapy for children with ASD, ultimately contributing to more effective treatment strategies.