Clinicians' perceptions of the benefits of aquatic therapy for young children with autism: a preliminary study.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Vonder Hulls
Darcy S
DS
Hoquiam School District, Hoquiam, WA, USA.
Walker
Lisa K
LK
Powell
Janet M
JM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome