Do you have a child that does not stop moving? Behaviors causing them to jump, yell, push, pull and display impulsive movements can lead to an accident or disrupt community or group situations. This can be particularly concerning, as well as a drowning risk if they are attracted to the water without having basic swim safety skills.

Aquatic therapy as a modality for highly seeking children with Autism can be a game-changer for prolonged self-regulation. Often the day after aquatic therapy, schools will report more success during ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) sessions, better attention to directions and a decrease in challenging behaviors.

4 Proven Benefits of Aquatic Therapy for a Child With Autism

Why is pediatric aquatic therapy a good addition to land-based therapy sessions?

The ability to satiate the sensory system through aquatic therapy can have a positive impact on many things. It helps with decreasing the sensory seeking behaviors and helps to achieve therapy goals faster.

After experiencing aquatic therapy, parents and guardians often see a reduction in some behaviors such as: jumping up and down, fast walking, non-stop talking or stereotypical hand flapping. Many caregivers also report that they see an increase in attention and notice a quiet, calmer child.

There are 4 proven benefits of aquatic therapy for children with Autism:

  1. Improved self-regulation.
  2. Increased ability to pay attention.
  3. Reduction of sensory aversions i.e. certain clothing, food or even a haircut.
  4. Increased words or vocalizations.

There are 3 key elements of the water, that work together, to explain why aquatic therapy supports therapy goals for a child with autism; hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and surface tension of the water.

How Does Aquatic Therapy Support Speech Therapy?

Some children with autism have limited vocalizations or speak only a few words, and they will often show improvement in stringing words and sounds together after aquatic therapy.

Parents and caregivers often notice that their child is much more vocal or verbal and that their child’s speech therapist is reporting increased progress with oral motor skills that relate to speech.

This makes sense as you often use your mouth to suck, lick and blow the water. During aquatic therapy, the muscles surrounding your rib cage are working against the resistance of the viscosity of the water, strengthening your ability for deeper breathing patterns. Working to blow bubbles helps with controlled airflow for speech.

Positive Impact on Water Safety Skills

Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death for children with Autism? Children who experience aquatic therapy are not only getting the therapy they need, but are also learning crucial water safety skills. During our aquatic therapy sessions, children and families are also taught critical rituals and routines for entering any body of water, which helps avoid potentially risky situations.

The properties of the water along with specific handling techniques by your pediatric aquatic therapist can prove to be a magical recipe for improvements in self-regulation, motor control and water safety.  Sign me up!

Positive Impact on Water Safety Skills
Looking for Aquatic Therapist Training?

We can give you the tools you need to help special needs clients achieve therapy goals and improve their independence in the water.

Learn new treatment and handling techniques, understand how to integrate reflexes and overcome roadblocks to help your pediatric clients achieve their therapy goals. We have 4 in-depth online courses to choose from.

Our online training courses will help you strengthen your aquatic therapy skills and allow you to earn CEU’s. Our on-demand platform makes learning flexible to fit into your schedule.

Dive into Our Specialized Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Program!

The unique program that Swim Angelfish offers is created by an OT/PT team with over 60 years combined experience. We have experienced Recreation, Occupational, and Physical therapists who are specifically trained in pediatric aquatic therapy. We use a fun, innovative and multi-sensory approach using the therapeutic properties of the water to reach your specific therapy goals.

We can help improve self-regulation, motor coordination, strength, balance, endurance, and more. There are several options for therapy sessions depending on your needs, including private, semi-private, and small group sessions.

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene Tisser, a pediatric Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience and co-founder of Swim Angelfish® and the Swim Whisperers® method, specializes in aquatic therapy and adaptive swim for children with special needs. Trained in NDT, DIR/Floortime, and certified as an Autism Specialist and Primitive Reflex Specialist she fosters water safety, confidence, and independence in her young clients. Ailene is also passionate about educating aquatic professionals, setting a standard of excellence for adaptive aquatics training and professional development.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy, MS, OTR/L is an occupational and recreational therapist with over 30 years of experience specializing in pediatrics and aquatics. Driven by a passion for helping children with special needs reach their full potential, Cindy co-founded Swim Angelfish, an organization dedicated to providing adaptive swim and aquatic therapy services as well as professional training. Her expertise in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics, coupled with her love for water and experience as a national champion diver, has enabled her to make a profound impact on the lives of countless children. Cindy is certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES, and shows an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with special needs.