Effects of Kinetic Sand on Functional Reach and Eye-Hand Coordination in Children With Autism
A quasi-experimental pre-post study will be conducted at pediatric therapy clinics and special education centers, involving 17 children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with mild to moderate ASD, selected through convenient sampling. The intervention will consist of kinetic sand play for 30 minutes, three times per week, over six weeks, including activities such as molding objects, searching for hidden items, and free play to enhance creativity, grip strength, and coordination. Eye-hand coordination and functional reach will be assessed using the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) and the Functional Reach Test. Data will be analyzed using SPSS Version 26 with paired t-tests or appropriate non-parametric methods. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Research Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, Lahore.
• According to DSM-5 criteria, characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interests
• Children demonstrating measurable impairments in functional reach and eye-hand coordination
• Able to follow instructions