THE EFFECT OF MATCHING GAME THERAPY ON THE MEMORY OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract

Introduction: Autism is a neurological developmental disorder characterized by limitations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviors. Children with autism often experience cognitive impairments, including memory, which affect learning and daily adaptation. One of the interventions used to improve memory is game-based therapy, such as matching games, which can train children's concentration and memory. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the effect of matching game therapy on memory of children with autism. Methods: This study used a pre-experiment design with a one group pretest-posttest design approach on 20 respondents with autism. Sampling was done by purposive sampling technique. Memory was measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) observation sheet. Data were analyzed using paired t test. Result: The results showed that there was an effect of matching game therapy on the memory of children with autism with a p value = 0.001 (α = 0.05). Conclusion: This study concludes that matching game therapy has an effect on improving the memory of children with autism. The findings recommend the importance of using matching game therapy as an intervention to improve memory in children with autism.