Banca de DEFESA: DANIEL GARCIA PAIXÃO

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : DANIEL GARCIA PAIXÃO
DATE: 15/12/2025
TIME: 17:30
LOCAL: https://meet.google.com/ohg-xwge-rzj
TITLE:

Motor opportunities in the family and equine therapy contexts of children with autism: physical-social aspects, beliefs, and care practices in contact with nature.

KEY WORDS:

Child development, Autism, Motor control, Psychomotor performance, Equine therapy.

PAGES: 53
BIG AREA: Outra
AREA: Multidisciplinar
SUMMARY:

The motor development of children with autism involves challenges that affect both their physical abilities and their social and emotional interaction. In this context, the environments, people, and interactions that occur around them can be agents that promote or limit this development. Despite the recognition of the benefits of equine therapy and contact with nature, this interest has brought to the forefront in the scientific field the need to study the child's care environments from the perspective of the Developmental Niche, where the physical and social environment, the care practices commonly adopted in the routine, as well as the psychology of caregivers are systems that must be understood in an integrated and inseparable way. This study aimed to analyze the perceptions and practices regarding motor opportunities and contact with nature in autistic children, from the perspective of parents/caregivers and therapists. Five social actors from the family and therapeutic environment of three autistic children participated in this research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and empirical observations. Regarding the physical and social environment, both facilitating and limiting factors were observed in relation to the experience of motor activities. Although caregivers clearly intend to provide contact with outdoor environments, such as the beach, the frequency of these activities is moderate or even low. This limitation is largely due to the intense and busy routine, which includes various therapies and school activities. Regarding parenting practices, there was a concern to dedicate time to outings that provide contact with nature, through free and motor activities, as explained in the statements. Apparent agreements were found between the conception and practice of some social actors in the home context. The importance of playing at home, near trees, with birds, drawing and painting was highlighted, and in practice, the promotion of these activities was clearly observed. According to the parents' statements, motor opportunities were listed as promoting balance, interaction with peers, and the child enjoys playing outdoors. In the family environment, freedom of exploration and the affection of caregivers are essential facilitators, although moments of sensitivity in children can impact engagement. In the therapeutic environment of equine therapy, the structure of activities and professional expertise are powerful facilitators, directing gains in motor, communicative, and socio-emotional skills. However, the intensity of the therapeutic routine and the need to transfer learning to daily family life represent ongoing challenges. Finally, it was found that the theoretical model used as a basis for investigating this theme made it possible to ascertain elements related to the child's motor development and how play is part of the developmental process of the autistic children studied.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1552900 - IANI DIAS LAUER LEITE
Interno - ***.853.015-** - JAILSON SANTOS DE NOVAIS - UFSB
Externa à Instituição - SILVÂNIA YUKIKO LINS TAKANASHI - UEPA
Interno - 1776327 - THIAGO ALMEIDA VIEIRA