Can aquatic therapy decrease seeking behaviors and improve attention for a child with Autism? The answer is YES!
There are 3 key elements that work together to explain why aquatic therapy works to support therapy goals for a child with autism.
- Hydrostatic Pressure
When you are immersed in the water the hydrostatic pressure provides deep pressure to the entire body. This pressure gives complete input to a swimmer’s body and provides a deep squeeze that can feel calming to a sensory-seeking child with Autism. This ‘squeeze’ also releases dopamine, which washes away adrenaline for your child and explains why there is a reduction of seeking behaviors and an improvement in their ability to pay attention. - Viscosity
The viscosity of the water provides resistance to all of the body’s movements. Imagine it is like moving in a bowl full of Jell-O. Think about how, with each movement made in the water, your body receives input about where you are in space due to the thickness of the water. This input helps children with autism to satiate their seeking behaviors and begins to improve their sensory registration. - Surface Tension
When a child jumps in the pool they break the surface tension of the water which feels really good to their central nervous system. Have you ever seen typical kids jumping in the pool over and over again? The skin is the largest organ and when you jump into the water, the feeling of breaking the elastic band of the surface tension simply feels fun and rewarding. In aquatic therapy, you may find that jumping into the pool increases the child’s motivation. This is an easy, simple way to reward the child whilst also being beneficial for their sensory system.
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, 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, 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.
