Autistic children drown at one-hundred sixty times the rate of their neurotypical peers: a public health crisis that the adapted learning field has only addressed by demonstrating that standard swimming instruction sometimes works for autistic children. This study presents a three-profile framework (sensory-seeking/hyposensitive, sensory-avoidant/hypersensitive, variable/mixed) founded in sensory processing literature, based on \~950 lessons to 65 autistic children (ages 3-15) to determine why this disjunction exists, and how swim instructors can fix it.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
95
This study provided sensory-based instruction to children with ASD to increase aquatics-based learning efficiency
standard swim instruction with no neurological accommodations
Genesis
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
(1) lessons to 5-meter unassisted float/kick;
Time frame: 10 lessons for each participant; 10-14 weeks
(2) percentage of sessions ending 10+ minutes early due to apparent dysregulation;
Time frame: 10 lessons for each participant; 10-14 weeks
(3) week-4 composite trust score (1-10 score: 10=highest);
Time frame: 10 lessons for each participant; 10-14 weeks
(4) technique corrections accepted per session without protest.
Time frame: 10 lessons for each participant; 10-14 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.