Pediatric Aquatic Occupational Therapy for Children With Sensory Processing Challenges

Pediatric Aquatic Occupational Therapy for Children With Sensory Processing Challenges

Children with sensory processing challenges participated in an 8-week play-based aquatic program addressing goals on behavior, sensory, and participation. It is expected that after the 8-week group, the child's goals will improve demonstrating an effective intervention to address sensory difficulties.

This study examined the effectiveness of an aquatic OT program for children with sensory processing difficulties to develop water readiness skills and improve sensory, behavior, and engagement goals. Six groups of children with deficits in various sensory systems participated in an 8-week aquatic group led by an occupational therapist and occupational therapy students. Each week consisted of a 45-minute aquatic group with a 5 min warmup on land, 30 mins of aquatic activities addressing the sensory system of the week, and 10 mins addressing a social activity with peers. Goals were developed and assessed via the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Parents of the participants were given the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2) before beginning. As a result of participating in the aquatic OT intervention, percentage of goals achieved will be analyzed. It is expected that this program proves to be beneficial and therefore aquatic OT shows potential for improving sensory processing skills, behavior, and social participation with peers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must be ages 4-9 years old
• have an identified sensory processing problem as related on the SPM assessment
• able to maintain head, neck, and trunk control
• able to follow 1-2 step directions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants younger than 4 years old and older than 9 years old
• requires lift to get in the water
• difficulty with following 1-step directions