Usage of the functional activity package to improve basic line writing ability of a child with multiple disabilities in primary 2

Abstract

The objectives were: 1) To study the abilities to use arms and hands of student with multiple disabilities in primary school, before and after using the functional activity package.  2) To study the abilities to write 13 basic lines of student with multiple disabilities in primary school, before and after using the functional activity package. 3) To compare the ability scores to write the basic line, before and after using the functional activity package. The case study of one male, selected by purposive sampling, age of 8, with multiple disabilities: autism and hearing impairment (hard of hearing), studying in grade 2 at special education school for children with disabilities. The instruments that were used in this research included 1) An assessment form for wrote abilities of 13 basic line 2) An observation form on the behavior of used arms and hands. 3) The functional activity package: 3 Individual Implementation Plans (IIP) that consists of a planting activity, a watering plant activity and an activity to make a Thai dessert called Bualoy. The researcher used the functional activity package as the base of 3 activities per week, 18 sessions over a period of 6 weeks. The data were analyzed by using mean, percentage, standard deviation and descriptive analysis. The results showed that the mean score of arms and hands used behaviors while using the functional activity package was 3.09 which was considered good. The ability scores to write the 13 basic lines after using the functional activity package was 32 points which was considered good. The difference in scores on the ability to write 13 basic lines from before to after using the functional activity package was 16 points or 30.77 %. The video that were recorded to observe the behaviors for 6 weeks found a change in the use of arms and hands from the 4th time onwards, he showed a good core stability and fixation of the shoulder joint at work free movement of the forearm, and was able to touch objects without avoidance or a disgusting expression. Moreover, the case study showed abilities to move both arms across the body midline, and to switch objects between hands automatically, as well as improved hand functions and in-hand manipulation skills.