Efeitos da terapia do surf: análise da intervenção em crianças, adolescentes e jovens adultos com Perturbações do Espectro do Autismo e Défice de Atenção e Hiperatividade

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of therapeutic surfing on the executive functions of participants diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and neurotypical development. For the study, 31 individuals were enrolled, 16 children between 8 and 11 years old, ten teenagers between 12 and 15 years old and five adults between 20 and 55 years old. Those selected participated in a surf therapy program over a period of three months and weekly, with an estimated duration of three hours for each session. Through a neuropsychological assessment battery, it was possible to observe the influence of therapeutic surfing on aspects of attention, planning ability, memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. In principle, the study demonstrated significant results in the improvement of executive functions, with important gains in the socio-emotional skills of the participants having been observed. It is noteworthy that children showed more significant gains than adults. In this way, it was possible to infer that sport can serve as an important therapeutic instrument for a younger age, with a direct impact on neuroplasticity. However, a greater number of studies and more robust samples are needed for a better understanding of the impact of this therapy and the importance of these interventions as a differentiated practice. Keywords: Surf therapy. Sport. Neurodevelopmental disorders. ASD. ADHD

Date of Award	2023
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	JORGE ALEXANDRE GASPAR OLIVEIRA (Supervisor)