Positive Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Pediatric Autism
The Positive Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Pediatric Autism
The importance of physical activity for children with autism spectrum disorder is crucial, who often face challenges in motor development and are at risk of health issues due to a sedentary lifestyle. Aquatic therapy has several positive impacts on children’s development, including motor abilities, social behaviors, communication, overall well-being, etc. If you are a parent/guardian or clinician looking to provide the best care possible to children with autism, read on to learn how to help them face their challenges.
Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential:
Research findings demonstrated the effectiveness and benefits of aquatic therapy in treating pediatric autism. In the US, one in three children is affected by autism, with boys being diagnosed nearly four times more often than girls. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can lead to social and communication challenges, and restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests in children. Although other forms of therapy have been extensively studied for children with autism, this research highlights the unique advantages of aquatic therapy in treating this condition.
1. Various intervention methods, including CI-MAT and the Halliwick concepts, have been designed to specifically target the unique challenges encountered by children with ASD, resulting in observable improvements in both social and motor skills.
2. The literature suggests that swimming is noted as the most popular physical exercise among families with disabled children, and it could improve the overall quality of life for both the children and their families.
3. Parents/guardians of children with autism spectrum disorder have stated that their children seem “more sociable” and “more relaxed”, seeking company from family, instigating friendly physical play with other children, and less agitated following aquatic therapy.
Practical applications:
1. When engaging in aquatic therapy, trained professionals/ instructors should guide the children.
2. During an aquatic therapy program, trained professionals should identify children’s level of autism and their mental age.
3. Inform other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans that include aquatic therapy.
4. Professionals should emphasize the importance of early intervention. Initiating aquatic therapy at a young age may lead to better outcomes in terms of motor skills and social behaviors.
1. For more information and to find additional resources read here
2. Watch here to find out more about the benefits of aquatic therapy for children with autism.
About the Author:
Kayla Gutierrez is a senior at Westfield State University in the Sports Medicine and Human Performance department. She plans on graduating with a bachelor's Degree with a concentration in Sports Medicine and a minor in psychology. Her future is to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Kayla has been on the Dean’s list every semester since freshman year and is a member of the Health Professions Club on campus. Kayla can be reached at kakkgutierrez@gmail.com for more personal information about this topic.
References:
1. Marzouki, H., Soussi, B., Selmi, O., Hajji, Y., Marsigliante, S., Bouhlel, E., Muscella, A., Weiss, K., & Knechtle, B. (2022). Effects of Aquatic Training in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biology,
11(5), 657. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11050657
2. Pan, C.-Y. (2010). Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquatic skills and social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 14(1), 9–28.https://doi.org/10.10117/1362361309339496
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