Therapeutic movement activities for children with special needs Tera/GIB, hereafter referred to as Tera/GIB, are grounded in neurophysiotherapeutic and rehabilitation recommendations, with consideration of motor development. These activities entail mimicking the movements of twelve animals, facilitating enhancements in physical and mental health, as well as fostering social inclusion among children and adolescents with special needs. Individuals with intellectual disabilities and related disorders commonly exhibit deficits across these areas. Due to developmental disparities, many experience inadequate sensory integration, limited physical prowess, and dexterity. Additionally, challenges in recognizing and processing emotions contribute to diminished engagement with their surroundings. Tera/GIB activities holdpromise in positively impacting all three domains, extending beyond formal educational and therapeutic settings. The described activities serve as a solid foundation and a source of inspiration for developing diverse leisure activities. Individuals with special needs frequently contend with excess leisure time and limited options for engaging in high-quality, active pastimes. Recognizing this challenge, parents seek guidance in this regard, and Tera/GIB emerges as a valuable resource in assisting parents in cultivating meaningful and enjoyable leisure experiences for their children at home.
This master's thesis aims to investigate the awareness, perceptions, and practical applicability of Tera/GIB among parents of children with special needs participating in Tera/GIB activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two mothers of children engaged in Tera/GIB, organized around key themes encompassing Tera/GIB activities, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and leisure time engagement of their children.
Findings revealed that parents primarily acquired basic information about Tera/GIB from professionals at Cirius Vipava. Discussions regarding Tera/GIB within the home environment were limited and initiated by parents rather than spontaneously by the children, likely reflecting the unique needs of the participants. Nevertheless, children demonstrated familiarity with the twelve animals and their associated movements when prompted by parents. Parents emphasized the practicality and versatility of Tera/GIB, highlighting its minimal equipment requirements, adaptability to various settings and ages, and ability to engage children of varying skill levels.
As a response to the demand for stimulating leisure activities, a cooperative interactive board game based on Tera/GIB was developed to foster family engagement following the findings of this master's thesis.
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