Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Oral Presentation/Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Health Science

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Whitney Lucas Molitor

Second Advisor

Elise Edwards

Keywords

aquatic therapy, autism, occupational therapy, pediatric, sensory processing

Subject Categories

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common developmental disabilities in the world. Approximately 90% of children with ASD experience atypical sensory processing which can lead to increased difficulties in daily occupations including play, academic activities, feeding, self-care, and sleep. Aquatic therapy (AT) is an effective intervention that has a role in addressing social, emotional, physical, and sensory needs in children with ASD. There is limited research on the role of occupational therapy in providing AT for children with ASD. The purpose of this capstone was to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic occupational therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This capstone project focused on advanced clinical practice with aspects of program development to further investigate the benefits of aquatic occupational therapy on sensory processing and social participation for children with ASD. The results of this capstone project suggest that the combination of aquatic and traditional occupational therapy can positively influence a child’s sensory processing, as well as promote the carryover of developmental skills from the aquatic environment to a child’s daily occupations. Findings also suggest that caregiver education on the benefits of aquatic therapy and other sensory regulation strategies can further promote the carryover of skills from the aquatic environment to other contexts. Occupational therapists are well-equipped to address sensory processing difficulties and social participation in multiple contexts. They also play an important role in helping children with ASD develop the skills necessary to participate in daily occupations.

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