The examination of aquatic activities on the motor skills of autistic children

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of different aquatic activity instructional methods for autistic children for motor skills development. Autistic children were evaluated over a three-week period of swim lessons between an upper extremity instructional method vs a lower extremity instructional method. Pre and post testings were conducted prior and after the three-week period on various motor skills. The participant in the lower extremity instructional method showed better motor skills improvement while the participant in the upper extremity demonstrated limited improvement. The study provides an important preliminary understanding for health practitioners and physical educators in designing and assessing appropriate aquatic program for children with mental disability and for parents in selecting an appropriate swim program for motor development for their autistic children.