Parent and Caregiver Perceptions of a Recreational Aquatic Program for Children with Sensory Processing Needs

Download or read book Parent and Caregiver Perceptions of a Recreational Aquatic Program for Children with Sensory Processing Needs written by Chad Conant and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: BACKGROUND. Aquatic therapy is an effective intervention strategy for children with neuromuscular disorders, developmental delays, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The aim of the present study was to determine parent satisfaction with a recreational aquatic program designed to address sensory processing difficulties in children. METHODS. An original survey was created by researchers and distributed to parents involved in the XYZ Program at three locations. Survey questions were designed to gather information regarding parent perception of changes in sensory processing, social interaction, motor and coordination, self-regulation, and academics. RESULTS. Results were based on completion of ten parent surveys. Survey responses indicated highest improvements in swimming skills (90%), comfort in water (90%), and pool interaction (90%). Parents and caregivers also reported that children experienced improvement in coordination (70%) and balance (60%). Survey responses also showed improvements in social participation and interaction with others in the pool (70%). Respondents indicated that 50% of children showed improvement with sequencing, academic performance, and speech. Responses to questions on sensory processing also demonstrated improvement in tolerance to touch (40%) and tolerance of loud noises (50%). All survey respondents would recommend this program to other families. CONCLUSION. The recreational aquatic swim program led to improvement in swimming skills, comfort in the water, pool interaction, social skills, balance, and coordination as perceived by the parents. The XYZ Program also has positive influence on children outside the aquatic environment in areas such as academics, following verbal directions, and sequencing.