Clinicians' Perceptions of the Benefits of Aquatic Therapy for Young Children with Autism

Abstract

Objective: This purpose of this study was to identify clinicians' perceptions of the benefits of aquatic therapy for young children with autism. Methods: Eighteen aquatic occupational therapists treating young children with autism responded to a survey soliciting their opinions on changes in skill performance resulting from aquatic therapy. Results: A majority of clinicians reported a substantial increase in swim skills, attention, muscle strength, balance, tolerating touch, initiating/maintaining eye contact, and water safety. Conclusion: The impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions seen in children with autism can be wide-ranging and outcomes can be difficult to operationally define and measure. In this preliminary study, clinicians identified the areas they perceived as improving as a result of aquatic therapy. This information could help narrow the field of likely outcomes as a first step toward studies of the effectiveness of aquatic therapy for children with autism.

Key Words:

• Aquatic therapy
• autism
• hydrotherapy
• pervasive child development disorders

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Darcy S. Vonder Hulls

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.

Debra Stewart, BSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Erinoak, Serving Young People with Physical Disabilities, Mississauga, ON, and Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.

Janette McDougall, MA, was Project Coordinator

Kip Husted, BEd, was a parent representative on the study team.

Aviva Yochman, MA, OTR, was a student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel at the time of this study.

Imelda Burgman, MA OTR/L BCP, completed her MA in Movement Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, and was an Occupational Therapist at The Shield Institute, Bronx, NY. She is currently Lecturer, Habilitation, School of Community Health, Faculty of Health Studies, Charles Sturt University, Albury, N.S.W., Australia.

Barbara J. Steva, OTWL, BCP, is Occupational Therapist, University of New England Community Occupational Therapy Clinic, Saco, ME. She was Director of Occupational Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation, Franciscan Children's Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Boston, MA, when this work was completed.

Mary-Ann L. Fulks, MSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Vancouver Community Mental Health Service and Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia. This study was completed in partial fulfillment of a Master of Science degree.

Laura Zawacki, MS, PT, PCS, currently practices Pediatric Physical Therapy in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Judy T. Jennings holds a Certificate in PT and an MA in Special Education and has 25 years of experience as a PT working with children from infancy to high school.

Nicholas S. Payne, PhD, recently retired from 40 years of experience in statistics and data analysis at Proctor & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH. He was recently Research Fellow in Data Analysis, clarifying the needs of mothers and babies.

At the time of this study, Marianne Kratochvil, MA, was a social worker at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta. She has since retired.