Investigation of the physical and social development of students with special needs (Mental, Autism and Down Syndrome) participating in the inclusive special movement education program activity

The aim of this study is to investigate the physical and social development of students with special needs (intellectually disabled, autistic, and Down syndrome) participating in a comprehensive special movement education programme. Eighteen students (six with Down syndrome, six with autism spectrum disorder, and six with intellectual disabilities) from a special education institution in Erzurum participated in the study. The students were aged between 8 and 10 years. A special movement training programme was developed for the study. The special movement training programme was planned taking into account the physical and social development of the children. In addition, an observation form was prepared by academics, and behaviors were observed and recorded throughout the implementation process. Interviews were also conducted with instructors at the special education and rehabilitation centre to obtain information about the students' physical and social changes. A 12-week programme was prepared for the research and implemented twice a week (on Saturdays and Sundays) for 60-90 minutes. Observations made at the beginning of the studies revealed that male and female students with autism spectrum disorder exhibited shy and reluctant behavior, students with Down syndrome were more active and eager, and children with learning difficulties were eager to participate in activities but their success rates were low. At the end of the research, male students with Down syndrome actively participated in the activities, while some female students remained passive in the application, behaved reluctantly, and showed no improvement in communication skills. According to the results of the study, it can be said that inclusive special movement training and the continuity of sports activities, more types of games, and more activities that children want and enjoy will contribute positively to children's physical and social development.