A Case Study of Horticultural Activities for Children with Asperger
Date Issued
2012
Date
2012
Author(s)
巫潞琳
Abstract
Asperger is a kind of Autism. There is only autism statistics in Taiwan currently. Statistical yearbook of Ministry of the Interior shows that the population of autism is rising. The population of Autism has risen from 2,550 in 2001 to 10,160 in 2010. The population increased four times during the past decade. At present we still did not have medicine of and therapy can cure Asperger entirely. Asperger’ function is better in Autism. In this reason, children with Asperger usual took the regular class. But its social interaction problem, the mood problem, exceptional sense and movement, restricted repetitive and stereotype patterns of interest create puzzle in life. There are researches about horticultural therapy (HT) of autism, without HT of Asperger. Characteristics of HT are social benefit, psychological benefit, five sense experiences, the diversification, and the adaptation. These characteristics respond to problems of Asperger. There is no research about horticultural therapy of children with. The aim of this study is finding out appropriate activities for children with Asperger and examining the effect. Therefore, this study designed 10 weeks of HT for children with Asperger. HT let children with Asperger take part in the HT program to better understand the feasibility and effectiveness of HT for children with Asperger. Effectiveness includes social interaction problem, the mood problem, exceptional sense and movement, restricted repetitive and stereotype patterns of interest. This study used case study as study method. This study used video camera recording activities prosess, and then the researcher watched videos to count behavior times. Otherwise, in-depth interview was conducted to explore preference of children with Asperger for horticultural activity, the effectiveness of HT, as well as suggestions to HT.
The results showed that the form like game and the activity with positive feedback were the attraction of the whole HT program. The children with Asperger preferred novelty activities, activities with flavor, and activities with food. Moreover, the main benefit of HT program in program was emotional benefit, secondary benefit was social interaction. There were partial benefits at exceptional sense, and restricted repetitive and stereotype patterns of interest. HT’s benefit to each case was different. HT was distinct from other forms of alternative medicine for creation features, moderate activities, natural form, interacting with the children of the same age, immediately dealing with situation, and more accomplishment. Most parents of cases satisfied with HT program. Only one parent of case suggested we can add visual picture cards, let child demonstrate, and use reward system and operating schedule in the HT program, because her children’ function is poorer. HT program can attract children with Asperger and can provide some benefits. HT program also has the distinction.
Asperger usually use many therapies at the same time. The most apparent benefit of HT for Asperger children is emotional benefit. Then HT is convenient and cheaper. We can take HT as a method of improving emotion. About HT program, this study suggests researchers take operative activities as main activity, arrange repetitive motions, arrange flavorful or cooking content, arrange share and feedback activities, and activities should be novel. If the ability of the participants is poorer, researchers should consideratie other symptom, adjust practice the contex and form of activity, use auxiliary tools. This study suggests that future study can study deeply about exceptional sense and movement, restricted repetitive and stereotype patterns of interest in the future. This study offers experiences of activities for related studies to reference. About suggestion of this study, this study suggests that future study can find children who’s social ability is similar to case as peer, the abilities of controlling emotion and expressing is to some level, and without problem of impulse, such as younger children or children with Asperger who’s abilities of controlling emotion and expressing is to some level. This study suggests reinforcing activities design in social interaction. This study suggests increasing frequency and time, such as cooperating with school, sanatorium, or hospital. This study suggests letting case care plant by itself. About assessment, this study suggests increasing interview, interviewing case, or useing other better approach, such as event sampling.
Subjects
horticultural therapy
Asperger
alternative medicine
Type
thesis
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