LIU Autism Aquatics Program
Donation protected
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulty with socialization, communication and language skills, and stereotypical repetitive behaviors. It is often recognized as an intellectual or developmental disability, with symptoms of motor incoordination, lack of attention, and physical health issues. Autism has become one of the most common developmental disorders, and it is rapidly becoming more and more prevalent (autismspeaks.org, 2016). Because of the many developmental areas autism can have an effect on, it is important that treatment and intervention plans focus on these areas: social skills, language and communication, play skills, daily living, and motor skills.
At Long Island University (Brooklyn campus), an Autism Aquatics Program has recently been developed. According to a variety of research that has been done, swimming and aquatic exercise has proven to be of great benefit for children diagnosed with ASD. Results have shown positive effects in areas of overall physical function, as well as social and communication skills. To read up some more on the benefits of such a program, you can refer to the articles posted below.
As LIU Occupational Therapy students, it is our goal to keep such a wonderful program alive, but we will need some help! Any little bit will be greatly appreciated - from $5 to safety equipment, such as floaties or inflatable vests and arm bands. Thank you so much!
Articles:
1. Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquatic skills and social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (Pan, 2010)
2. The effects of aquatic activities on physical fitness and aquatic skills in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review (Aleksandrovic et al., 2015)
3. Group swimming and aquatic exercise programme for children with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study (Fragala-Pinkham et al., 2011)
At Long Island University (Brooklyn campus), an Autism Aquatics Program has recently been developed. According to a variety of research that has been done, swimming and aquatic exercise has proven to be of great benefit for children diagnosed with ASD. Results have shown positive effects in areas of overall physical function, as well as social and communication skills. To read up some more on the benefits of such a program, you can refer to the articles posted below.
As LIU Occupational Therapy students, it is our goal to keep such a wonderful program alive, but we will need some help! Any little bit will be greatly appreciated - from $5 to safety equipment, such as floaties or inflatable vests and arm bands. Thank you so much!
Articles:
1. Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquatic skills and social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (Pan, 2010)
2. The effects of aquatic activities on physical fitness and aquatic skills in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review (Aleksandrovic et al., 2015)
3. Group swimming and aquatic exercise programme for children with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study (Fragala-Pinkham et al., 2011)
Organizer
Alexis Gonopolsky
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY