EFFECTS OF SENSORY STIMULATION APPROACH ON PREWRITING SKILLS OF LEARNERS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

This study was carried out on effects of sensory stimulation approach on prewriting skills of learners with autism spectrum disorders in Abuja, Nigeria. Two aims and objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significant. The study anchor on the sensory integration theory that was first propounded by Ayres in 1972. This research is an experimental study that make used of the quasi-experimental type, specifically the single-subject ABA experimental design that is nonrandomised. The population of the study comprised all the 88 learners diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders in 4 special schools in Abuja Municipal Area Council. The Brain Bloom Centre, Abuja was selected purposively for the study. The sampling technique adopted for this study was the purposeful sampling technique. Thus, sampling one special needs centre out of 4. The researcher used two instruments for data collection in this study. The instrument was Writing Measurement Scale (WMS) and Handwriting Assessment (HA) was adapted from the Brain Bloom Centre Abuja (with minor modifications). The findings revealed that there was improvement in the achievement of leaners in colouring and drawing skills within the boundary after treatment. It furthered shows that sensory stimulation approach does improve leaners’ achievement in drawing skills. It was recommended that Professional body, should carryout massive campaign (symposiums, seminars, conferences and workshops) to enlighten the public on the use of sensory stimulation approach on prewriting skills of learners with autism spectrum disorders. Sensory stimulation approach should be used in primary and even secondary schools to improve prewriting skills of learners with autism spectrum disorders.