GAIA therapeutic farm: Prospective study on multidisciplinary care efficacy.

Introduction: The therapeutic farm "GAIA" in Sidi Thabet is a non-profit organization created in 2009, situated in the North-Western suburbs of the capital Tunis/Tunisia. Its main aims are the day-care for and the socio-professional integration of children and young adults between age 6 and 30 with diverse types of disability through multiple activities, such as pet assisted therapy and horticulture.

Aim: to assess the potential benefits of therapeutic on-farm management.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study including 50 children and young adults aged 7 to 30 years with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders. Study participants were evaluated before inclusion and after 10 months of care using a self-established questionnaire collecting socio-demographic and clinical variables, an evaluation of competences, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

Results: Mean sub scores (externalization/internalization) of CBCL decreased significantly (p<0.002). Competences were significantly improved in the following domains: understanding of verbal language, gross and fine motor skills, body hygiene, spatial and temporal orientation, preschool and school learning achievements and social integration.

Conclusions: These positive initial results should encourage the further development of this initiative with support of the community.