Swimming -- Autism Research on Benefits

 A Systematic Review of Swimming Programs for Individuals with Autism (Murphy & Hennebach, 2020), states that 'Drowning is the leading cause of death for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and accidental drowning accounted for 91% of total U.S. deaths reported in children with ASD ages 14 and younger.' The systematic review of 23 studies, indicates that every one of the studies revealed significant findings about the benefits of swimming programs. 

Recommendations by Murphy & Henneback included the need for:

  1. effective teaching strategies for basic safety and swimming skills for individuals with ASD; 
  2. implementation of sensory programs and visual supports to swimming programs;
  3. examination of relationship between swimming and decrease in repetitive behaviours; 
  4. larger sample sizes and qualitative studies.

    Rationale for Funding

    Occupational Therapists are often asked  to justify funding for individualised swimming programs for people with a disability. Not everyone can participate in regular group swimming classes. Modifications and adjustments are needed to swimming programs. This can be life saving, and promotes health and well being. This systematic review is relevant to the rationale for funding individualised swimming programs that are tailored to the needs of autistic people.

    The benefits of certain aquatic strategies and techniques are described by James Hall (2013), including: increased comfort, relaxed, balance, and warmth. Strategies that were beneficial involved providing extended lesson time, using wet suits, and a floating mat/platform to support individuals during teaching. Hall recommended the development of a teaching package, designed for autistic individuals.

    In the mid-1980s I assisted with a teacher-run, Halliwick swimming program at a special school in Brisbane for children with high support needs. The Halliwick program was evaluated for children with autism by Shams-Elden (2017). Ten weeks of the Halliwick therapy program was reported to have an effect on motor abilities. Further research on a variety of swimming programs and strategies is recommended. 

    Conclusion

    The evidence to date, supports the viability of funding for individualised swimming programs for autistic people who cannot participate in regular group classes. Further research on this topic is available through searching Google Scholar with the terms, such as: swimming, ASD, autism, aquatic.

    References  

    Murphy, K & Hennebach, K. (2020) A systematic review of swimming programs for individuals with autism. Journal of Disability Studies. 6(1), 26-32. http://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/991

    Hall, James G. (2013) Aquatic strategies and techniques and their benefit on children with autism. Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 6. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/6   

    Shams-Elden, M. (2017) Effect of aquatic exercises approach (Halliwick-therapy) on motor skills for children with ASD. Science, Movement and Health, Vol. XVII, ISSUE 2 Supplement, 2017
    September 2017, 17 (2, Supplement): 490-496. https://www.analefefs.ro/anale-fefs/2017/i2s/pe-autori/SHAMS-ELDEN%20Mohamed%201.pdf

    Author 
    Sandra Kirkwood, Occupational Therapist
    Ipswich, Australia

    Mobile:  +061 488 624 362

     

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