BTS SUGA's Proposed 'Basketball Therapy' Helps Improve Social and Communication Skills in Autistic Youth

 


Treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes not only speech and behavioral therapy bu a variety of programs that incorporate activities such as music and exercise. With the enthusiastic support of BTS member SUGA (33), who is known for his love of basketball, the Severance Hospital's Min Yoongi Treatment Center recently introduced a basketball-based therapeutic program called MIND-PLAY for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The program began a pilot operation on the 2nd.

The program is based on DRIB (Developmental, Relationship-based Integrated Basketball), an inclusive basketball model developed by the Korean American Special Education Center (KASEC), which supports Korean Americans with developmental disabilities in the United States, MIND-PLAY adapts the DRIB model to fit the Korean context.

In MIND-PLAY, each adolescent with autism is paired with a volunteer who provides one-on-one support. The volunteer first demonstrates the activities and offers verbal encouragement, helping to build a natural cooperative relationship with the participant. Through this process, participants can develop social and communication skills through interaction while also improving physical abilities through activities such as running and dribbling.

According to Cheon Geun-ah, director of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center at Severance Hospital, "Our goal goes beyond treatment. We aim to improve social skills and athletic abilities, thereby enhancing quality of life and laying the foundation for greater social independence.

A growing body of research also suggests that exercise can benefit adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. A study published in the international journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that structured exercise programs may have positive effects on the social skills, communicate abilities, and motor skills of young people with ASD.

In addition, a paper published in the international journey Healthcare analyzed eight randomized controlled trials involving 436 children with autism autism disorder. The findings indicated that ball-based exercise programs may communication in children with ASD.


Original article: Health Chosun




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