Active Ingredients & Efficacy of Aquatic Therapy for Autistic Children

Active Ingredients & Efficacy of AquOTic: Aquatic Occupational Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Accidental drowning is the number one cause of death in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and highlights the critical need for swim lessons and water safety training for this population. Our team has developed and tested an innovative, occupational therapy (OT) based aquatic program - AquOTic - that provides preliminary support for the use of an individualized swim skills training intervention in children with ASD. The AquOTic program uses a combination of sensory, motor learning, and behavioral approaches to improve water safety and swim skills. In this study, we will use a randomized control trial design to identify the efficacy of the AquOTic intervention to improve swim performance in children with ASD.

Once enrolled, children will be randomized to one of three groups. Group A will receive the intervention right away. Group B will use a waitlist control for 10 weeks, then will receive the intervention. Group C will be a control group, and will be offered the intervention at the end of the control period. Each group will have 12 participants.

AquOTic a group based aquatic occupational therapy intervention that uses evidence-based therapeutic teaching techniques including therapeutic relationship, grading of activities, shaping, positive reinforcement and individualized goals to direct the intervention.

We will also develop a fidelity measure to operationalize the therapeutic strategies and quantify the active ingredients of the AquOTic program. Our long-term goal is to create evidence for an OT-based swim intervention for children with ASD that has the potential to decrease the drowning risk in this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pre-existing diagnosis of autism & interest in learning to swim

Exclusion Criteria:

• able to float or move through the water for 5-10 feet without assistance.
• presence of compromised airway such as trachea or ventilation system
• other contraindication to submersion in water.