Aquatic Therapy for Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties

Aquatic therapy can be the ideal therapy for your little one with sensory processing difficulties, including diagnoses of autism, attention deficit, sensory processing, behavior difficulties and more.

Why is it ideal? 

We are providing a soothing environment with sensory deprivation (we are taking away noxious stimuli - unwanted touch, sound, light, etc.), and providing a constant warm fluid around the body that is pleasant, calming and supportive. 

For children with a high alert system, we are calming them with this constant sensation wrapping around them, diminishing their tactile defensiveness. 

For children with low awareness (low registration) - the water surrounding their bodies acts as input for increased awareness, making them more aware of their movements and where their body is in space. This is something that they are often struggling to find, and it may be manifesting as behavioral problems.  

We can find your child's "optimal functioning level," whether it be alerting or inhibiting - so that they can better think and function. Once we obtain this feeling for your child in therapy sessions, we work toward carrying it over into everyday life and circumstances - supporting you and your child in all you find meaningful! 

Sensory Processing	Behavioral Characteristics	Aquatic Intervention Approach	Desired Outcome in daily life
Sensation Avoider	Seeks less, retreats, avoids, resists change, likes consistency, and  rituals	Honor their need to limit sensory input, help them to broaden range. Gradually increase stim within gentle aquatic environment	Increase sense of safety, adaptability, flexibility
Sensation Sensitivity	Notices more, distractible, hyperactive, irritable	Water provide sensory input to help support them in a calming manner. It helps to diminish excess stimuli, so that we can gradually bring in input.	Sense of relaxation and going with the flow, focused on tasks.
Sensory Seeker	Seeks opportunities for sensation, active, fidgety, excitable	The water provides continuous input and opportunities for sensory input, and will meet needs.	Sense of calm and fulfillment
Sensory Under responsive	Notices less, flat affect, sedentary, self-absorbed	The water will encompass and support which will lead to increasing awareness.	Noticing their environment, becoming more aware of their world

For these and other therapies please call: (208) 949-3481