Comparison of the effects of perceptual-motor exercises, vitamin D supplementation and the combination of these interventions on decreasing stereotypical behavior in children with autism disorder

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the combined effects of perceptual-motor exercises and vitamin D₃ supplementation on the reduction of stereotypical behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: In this study, 100 eligible children with age ranging from 6 to 9 years were randomly selected and divided into four groups: Group A-perceptual-motor exercises (n = 25); Group B-25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) (n = 25); Group C-perceptual-motor exercises and 25 (OH) D (n = 25); and Group D-control (n = 25).

Results: The stereotypes decreased from elementary level, 17% in Group A, 13% in Group B and 28% in Group C among the participants. There was no change in the stereotypical in the control group during the interventions. Also, the stereotypes in Group C showed the highest decrease, compared to the other three groups.

Conclusions: We concluded that combination of perceptual-motor exercises and vitamin D₃ supplementation in children with ASD leads to significant reduction in their stereotypic behaviors.