Improving water competency among children on the autism spectrum: the AquOTic randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

There is a critical need for evidence-based and manualized interventions targeting water competency including swim and water safety skills tailored to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum, a group that is at a high risk of drowning. This study examined the efficacy of AquOTic-a 10-week occupational therapy-based aquatic intervention to improve water competency among children on the autism spectrum.

Methods

A total of 37 children on the autism spectrum (ages 5-9 years) were randomized to a waitlist control group (n = 24) or AquOTic intervention group (n = 37; 28 males). Blinded assessors administered the standardized Water Orientation Test-Alyn (WOTA) 1 and 2 and a Swim Skills Checklist to all participants pre- and post-AquOTic/control.

SUBMITTER: Kemp E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11491375 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature