The Effectiveness of Macton's Method for Developing Non-Linguistic Cognitive Sensory Skills for Autistic Spectrum Children

Abstract

The present study aimed at identifying the effectiveness of Macaton method in improving some sensory and cognitive skills in autistic children. In order to achieve the aims of the study, the researcher used the experimental method. The present study sample was (10) children whose ages ranged between (7-10) years and were diagnosed medically with autism disorder. The researcher randomly selected the sample and divided it into two groups: the first group consisted of (5) children representing the experimental group, and (5) children representing the control group after extracting the equivalence between the two groups in terms of age, intelligence, economic and social level and the degree of communication. The program was implemented for three months through (63) sessions in which the researcher conducted a pre-application and then a post-application after finishing the program completely. In order to identify the findings of the research, the researcher then analyzed the data statistically using the SPSS and some statistical means such as Mann Whitney. The results indicated that there was a statistically significant change in the sensory and cognitive skills in favor of the experimental group, which was attributed by the researcher to the effectiveness of Makaton method used in developing these skills. The researcher recommends the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to apply Macaton program with its eight phases and circulate it to its affiliated centers in order to promote this category of people with autism spectrum disorder and develop their capabilities. The researcher suggests conducting experimental studies derived from the Macaton method according to modern scientific strategies.