Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2022

Document Type

Oral Presentation/Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Health Science

Faculty Mentor

Mackenzie Feldhacker

Keywords

aquatic therapy, sensory processing, occupational therapy, regulation, aquatic environment, sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder

Subject Categories

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Sensory processing disorder makes it difficult for children to maintain a state of regulation and function in everyday life (Kranowitz, 2005). The aquatic environment possesses multiple properties that can aid in providing the sensory input required for regulation (Becker, 2009). This capstone project addressed the use of the aquatic environment as a regulating tool for children with a sensory processing disorder. This project followed four learning objectives with the production of deliverables including sensory-based aquatic therapy manuals, case studies, presentations, and an outcomes report showing the achievement of the learning objectives. The project resulted in showing that the aquatic environment could be used as a tool for regulation through results provided by the Sensory Profile 2 and semi-structured interviews. This project showed how the aquatic environment could be used as both a means of addressing sensory processing and as a regulating sensory modality.

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