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Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Alternative seating for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: effects on classroom behavior
Denise Lynn Schilling1, Ilene S Schwartz
1University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. PT@upstate.edu
Abstract:
A single subject, withdrawal design was used to investigate the effects of therapy balls as seating on engagement and in-seat behavior of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition, social validity was assessed to evaluate teachers' opinions regarding the intervention. During baseline and withdrawal (A phases) participants used their typical classroom seating device (chair, bench or carpet square). During the intervention (B phases) participants sat on therapy balls. Results indicated substantial improvements in engagement and in-seat behavior when participants were seated on therapy balls. Social validity findings indicated that the teachers' preferred the therapy balls. This study suggests therapy balls as classroom seating may facilitate engagement and in-seat behavior and create opportunities to provide effective instruction.
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