Splashing Our Way to Playfulness! An Aquatic Playgroup for Young Children With Autism, A Repeated Measures Design

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of an aquatic playgroup on the playfulness of children, ages 2 to 3 with autism spectrum disorder. Using a repeated measures design, we followed 10 children and their caregivers who participated in a 6-week aquatic playgroup in southwest Florida. Four dyads completed the entire 12-week study period. The Test of Playfulness (ToP) and Test of Environmental Supportiveness (TOES) were used to measure playfulness, caregiver’s promotion of play, and adequacy of the sensory environment at 3 time points: before and after a six-week playgroup and at a four-week follow-up. Children demonstrated a statistically significant increase in playfulness after aquatic playgroup intervention F (2,6) = 9.55; η_p² = .85, p = .014. The sensory environment at the pool was more conducive for play χ² (2) = 7.54, p = .023 after playgroup intervention, while no significant effects were seen in caregivers ability to promote play opportunities. An aquatic playgroup in the community may improve the playfulness of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Keywords:

• Autism
• caregiver
• occupational therapy
• play

Acknowledgments

We are forever changed by the families that participated in our aquatic playgroup; it takes considerable insight to appreciate the importance of play and participation. We acknowledge the contributions of Florida Gulf Coast University, The Fort Myers Aquatic Center, and Early Steps of Southwest Florida to making our community a place where families can play. I am grateful for my very first graduate student research group: Janielle Craig, Michelle Moore, Amanda Newsom, and Colby Yeomans. A considerable amount of extra time and attention was given by each one of these very motivated members of the research team.