Welcome back! Last week I talked about how the physical properties of
water make the pool an ideal setting for therapy. While many people facing a
physical ailment or disability can reap the benefits of aquatic therapy, I
wanted to discuss how aquatic therapy can help those with autism spectrum
disorders specifically.
Autism is a life-long, neurological and biological disability that
affects roughly 2 out of 1000 babies born (Jake, 2003). Those with an autism
spectrum disorder diagnosis exhibit delays in language development, uneven
patterns of intellectual functioning and difficulties with socialization (Jake,
2003). There are many therapeutic interventions that can help children with autism
spectrum disorders function in everyday life. Aquatic therapy is one of these therapeutic
interventions that is especially effective.
Children with autism spectrum disorders tend to have sensory difficulties.
Many of them either under-react or overreact to stimuli present in their environment.
The warm water in the pool along with the hydrostatic pressure work together to
calm their nervous systems as well as supply them with constant sensory input
that physically suppresses their nervous systems and calms them (Jake, 2003). In
addition, play-based aquatic therapy can help the children improve their range
of motion, help improve their body awareness, increase balance, and promote
neurological development (Jake, 2003).
Along with the physical and neurological benefits that aquatic therapy
has to offer to those with autism spectrum disorders, aquatic therapy also
gives the children an opportunity to have fun! There are endless amounts of
pool games available that feel more like play than therapy. If there is more than
one child participating in therapy, there is the added bonus of socialization
for the children.
Aquatic therapy is a game-changer when it comes to fun, effective
therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders. Next week I will explore
the benefits that aquatic therapy has on stroke victims. Stay tuned!
References:
Jake,
L. (2003, September 01). Autism and the role of Aquatic Therapy in Recreational
Therapy Treatment Services. Therapeutic Recreation Directory.
A strong post on the many benefits of aquatic therapy for children with autism. Good in-text citation and citation.
ReplyDeleteHi Maddie,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your post it was very interesting. Honestly I did not know Aquatic therapy for autism existed until I read your post. I find it very interesting to know that Aquatic therapy is not just therapy session for kids, but also allows them to enjoy that opportunity and have fun with it. In other words, it allows the kids not to feel like they have health issue or they have to do some kind a treatment. Thanks for sharing such important information and I learned a little about Autism Aquatic therapy.