The Impact of the Schmetterling Motor Treatment Program on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multiple-Baseline Single Subject Design (ABA)

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the impact of the Schmetterling-Motor Treatment (MT) Program on children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in motor skills and individual stress level indicated by analyses of heart-rate variability (HRV). A multiple baseline design was used to compare two children, YY, who had received previous selective eating interventions, and TT, who had not. The MT program encompasses therapeutic running and fine motor exercises. For individual evaluation, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale–Second Edition, Standard Version (CARS-2-ST), the developmental test ET6-6 (with the dimensions hand motor skills, body motor skills, cognitive development, language development and socio-emotional development) and HRV were measured within a multiple-baseline single subject design (ABA). The results indicated a significant improvement in autism-related features, as well as in motor skills and autonomic regulation, with greater improvements found for YY than for TT. HRV analysis revealed improved autonomic regulation, especially for YY. ET6-6R results confirm significant gains in motor skills. The findings of this pilot study demonstrate the feasibility of tailored behavioral interventions for young children with ASD combining standardized diagnostic instruments with psychophysiological measurement of HRV as a biomarker for stress level and regulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Our findings provide the foundation for larger, more rigorous studies.