<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the effects of the WATSU training program (WTP) on 21 years old male with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study used a high level of individual and structured interventions to improve the underperforming adaptive functioning areas like social and academic skills in ASD. The individualized intervention of WTP was completed in five days using critical verbal and bodily language, technical demonstration, taking turns, basic skills, and timely feedback in a social and sensory-isolated environment. The results were collected via in-training observation, semi-structured family and athletic trainer interviews to evaluate the participant’s condition before and after the WTP. The structured communication opportunities improved the sense of trust and played a prominent role in the development of the quality of life. The results indicated that WTP reduced repetitive movements, stress reactions, challenging behaviors, and improved communication skills. In addition, changing roles, positions, and transitions in WATSU training increased the participant’s resiliency in his life with more comfort. Finally, tactile-emotional quality afferents, warmth, and buoyancy of the water, altered and enriched proprioceptive and vestibular input, being safely cradled in the arms instructor were likely to be the other factors improving the underperforming areas including communication, repetitive movements, stress reactions and challenging behaviors.</p>
</abstract>

The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the effects of the WATSU training program (WTP) on 21 years old male with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study used a high level of individual and structured interventions to improve the underperforming adaptive functioning areas like social and academic skills in ASD. The individualized intervention of WTP was completed in five days using critical verbal and bodily language, technical demonstration, taking turns, basic skills, and timely feedback in a social and sensory-isolated environment. The results were collected via in-training observation, semi-structured family and athletic trainer interviews to evaluate the participant’s condition before and after the WTP. The structured communication opportunities improved the sense of trust and played a prominent role in the development of the quality of life. The results indicated that WTP reduced repetitive movements, stress reactions, challenging behaviors, and improved communication skills. In addition, changing roles, positions, and transitions in WATSU training increased the participant’s resiliency in his life with more comfort. Finally, tactile-emotional quality afferents, warmth, and buoyancy of the water, altered and enriched proprioceptive and vestibular input, being safely cradled in the arms instructor were likely to be the other factors improving the underperforming areas including communication, repetitive movements, stress reactions and challenging behaviors.

The Aquatic WATSU® Therapy Program Improves the Quality of Life of an Adult Male with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Case Report

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Department of Physical Education, College of Education

Department of Special Education, Faculty of Educational Graduate Studies

Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Sports

Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the effects of the WATSU training program (WTP) on 21 years old male with an Autism Spectrum Disorder...

The Aquatic WATSU® Therapy Program Improves the Quality of Life of an Adult Male with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Case Report

Online veröffentlicht: 03. Mai 2023

Seitenbereich: 11 - 20

Eingereicht: 31. Dez. 2022

Akzeptiert: 05. März 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2023-0009

Schlüsselwörter
Autism spectrum disorder, WATSU aquatic therapy, sensory integration, social skills, mindfulness

© 2023 Ertan Tufekcioglu et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The Aquatic WATSU® Therapy Program Improves the Quality of Life of an Adult Male with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Case Report

Online veröffentlicht: 03. Mai 2023

Seitenbereich: 11 - 20

Eingereicht: 31. Dez. 2022

Akzeptiert: 05. März 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2023-0009

SchlüsselwörterAutism spectrum disorder, WATSU aquatic therapy, sensory integration, social skills, mindfulness

© 2023 Ertan Tufekcioglu et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Schlüsselwörter
Autism spectrum disorder, WATSU aquatic therapy, sensory integration, social skills, mindfulness