About Aquatic OT

Check out our recent blog post: What Really is Aquatic OT?

Is aquatic OT a good fit for my child?

During your first visit, your therapist will evaluate whether your child is a good fit for therapy services. However, if they are facing challenges in their daily occupations, OT may be a good fit! OTs most frequently treat children with the following conditions:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • ADHD

  • Sensory Processing Disorder

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • general or global developmental delays

  • gross and fine motor challenges

  • congenital conditions

  • behavioral/conduct disorders

  • learning/executive functioning challenges

What skills will my child learn in the pool?

Aquatic occupational therapy can address a variety of skills and goal areas. Here are the most common skills we address in the water.

  • sensory modulation

    • hypo and hyper-sensitivities

  • behavior and regulation

    • social skills, communication, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and more!

  • executive functioning

    • safety awareness, sequencing, problem-solving, task-initiation, attention, etc.

  • global motor development

    • gross, fine, and oral motor skills

    • balance, strength, endurance, and coordination

Read more here

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy addresses the daily tasks/activities that give life meaning and purpose.  For children, OTs commonly work to improve upon: 

  • social emotional regulation and behavior

  • self-care skills

  • sensory processing 

  • safety awareness

  • functional visual skills

  • play and social communication

  • learning and education

  • functional strength and motor skills

  • attention and executive function

  • management of adaptive equipment and DME

Why aquatic therapy?

Aquatic OT addresses traditional therapy goals using the unique properties of water. Water provides buoyancy, density, viscosity, surface tension, and hydrostatic pressure that allow for unique movement and sensory regulation opportunities. Aquatic therapy can often be paired with clinic-based therapy to address shared goals in a unique setting. Furthermore, it offers a safe and motivating environment that children will not forget! 

You can read more about the therapeutic properties of the water here