TERAPI BERMAIN (PLAY THERAPY) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN MOTORIK HALUS PADA ANAK DENGAN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Abstract

Play therapy can provide developmentally appropriate activities to stimulate fine motor skills in children with intellectual disability. This case study aimed to describe the use of origami and collage activities to improve fine motor skills in a 6-year-5-month-old girl with mild intellectual disability. An individual case-study design was used, supported by interviews, observation, the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and WISC assessment. The intervention consisted of seven sessions over approximately three weeks. Fine motor performance was monitored through origami folding and collage activities, with positive reinforcement during practice. The results showed that collage produced clearer and more consistent improvement than origami. Following intervention, the client was able to hold, tear or cut, apply glue, paste materials according to a pattern, and complete collage tasks within the allotted time with greater independence. In contrast, origami performance remained unstable because finger movements were still stiff and the client required assistance to maintain the sequence of folds. These findings suggest that collage may be a more accessible initial play-based activity for stimulating fine motor skills in this case, while origami may require more gradual practice and repeated assistance.