Movement flexibility of autistic children during individual therapy using ABA Lovaas table modification with foldable table top Available to Purchase

The ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) method by Ivar Lovass is a method used for autism therapy that has proven its success. In Indonesia, most ABA therapies use a table with a half oval cut on one of its edge that faces child participant. This is so that autistic children can sit quietly and concentrate more. This table seems to conflict with the ABA principle which emphasizes freedom in learning or according to the needs of each child. The ABA method does not provide any provisions on using tables of certain forms. In this study, a new strategy was developed to create a table design that could accommodate children to be able to sit still while still giving them freedom. The strategy used was by modifying the table with a half-oval curvature: 1) using a curvature; 2) adding a mat; and 3) foldable table top. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of these three items. This research was conducted in two phases. The first phase was testing to prove the effectiveness of the table with oval curvature and the addition of a mat. The second phase was making alternatives to the therapy table based on the findings from the first phase and then comparing them again. The results of the two-phase tests are that the mat attached under the table is significant for the success of the therapy, and that the removal of oval curvature is not significant to the success of the therapy. The results of this study are expected to serve as the basis for further development and to be design standards for autism therapy table that can support the therapy success for children with autism.