Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental
condition characterised by repetitive or restricted
behaviours and social communication deficits. The
reported cases are on the rise. In recent years, sensorybased
physical activity programmes have been
incorporated into therapeutic practices for children with
ASD. Among these, aquatic therapy is a multimodal
intervention integrating sensory, social and motor
components in a structured environment. To reduce the
physical burden of movement, these water-based
interventions utilize properties like buoyancy, resistance
and hydrostatic pressure. Recent literature suggests that
aquatic therapy can be an effective adjunct in the
management of ASD, especially in enhancing social
participation and motor skills. However, therapists' training
and standardization in protocols need further exploration.
This mini review discusses the various kinds of aquatic
therapy and explores the evidence for the integration of
aquatic therapy in clinical and educational settings for
children and adolescents with ASD.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aquatic Therapy,
Motor Skills, Multimodal Treatment, Neurodevelopmental
Disorders, Social Behavior.