{"sup":"®","#text":"COMSI-A Form of Treatment That Offers an Opportunity to Play, Communicate and Become Socially Engaged through the Lens of Nature-A Single Case Study about an 8-Year-Old Boy with Autism and Intellectual Disability."}

This study followed an 8-year-old boy with autism and mild intellectual disability during 18 months of nature-based group therapy called COMSI. The therapy used outdoor settings with animals to help develop communication and social skills. Results showed improvements in the child's play abilities, social communication, and understanding of others' thoughts and feelings. The combination of nature, animals, and skilled therapists helped create positive learning experiences tailored to the child's interests.

This case study examined an 8-year-old boy with autism and mild intellectual disability who received COMSI (Communication and Social Interaction) therapy over 18 months. COMSI is an eclectic group-based treatment combining developmental psychology, autism knowledge, and nature-based interventions. The study used both quantitative measures (WPPSI intelligence scale, theory of mind tests) and qualitative documentation (therapist notes, parent descriptions). Results indicated positive development in play, social communication, and mentalization abilities.

The therapeutic approach emphasized three support sources: nature, animals, and sensitive therapist interactions. Animals and nature facilitated coordinated attention episodes during conversation and play, while therapists maintained sensitivity to the child's interests and needs.

COMSI therapy shows promise as a nature-based intervention approach combining environmental elements with traditional therapeutic techniques. The integration of animals and outdoor settings may enhance engagement and learning opportunities for children with autism, particularly when therapists maintain sensitivity to individual interests and needs.

Single case study design limits generalizability. Small sample size (n=1) prevents statistical analysis or broader conclusions. Lack of control group makes it difficult to attribute improvements specifically to the COMSI intervention versus natural development or other factors.

This case study shows how an 8-year-old boy with autism and mild intellectual disability underwent positive psychological development in terms of play, social communication, and mentalization during a year and a half of group-based therapy using COMSI-(COMmunication and Social Interaction). This eclectic treatment has a relational approach and is based on developmental psychology, knowledge of autism, and the impact of nature and animals on human health. The change in the child was been studied using both quantitative and qualitative methods. His general intellectual capacity was measured using the Wechler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, and his Mentalization Ability/Theory of Mind was assessed using three tests: Eva and Anna, Hiding the fruit and Kiki and the cat.

Throughout the study period, change was documented with the help of the therapists' process notes and the parents' descriptions. The results show that support for the child comes from three different sources: nature, animals, and the therapists. Animals and nature form the basis for episodes of coordinated attention in conversation and play with therapists. The therapists' approach used sensitivity and compliance with the child's needs and focus of interest.