What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include behavioral and educational interventions, parent-mediated interventions, and various complementary and alternative therapies. Behavioral and educational interventions, which are most effective when started early and intensively, generally have minimal side effects but require significant time and effort. Parent-mediated interventions can improve family interactions and parental satisfaction but may also be time-consuming. Complementary and alternative therapies, such as omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, generally have low risk but can cause gastrointestinal distress. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other unproven treatments carry potential risks without consistent evidence of benefit. Aquatic occupational therapy, which focuses on improving safety swim skills, is generally safe but should be monitored for any individual-specific reactions or safety concerns in the water.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, primarily targeting symptoms such as irritability and hyperactivity. Notably, risperidone and aripiprazole are approved for treating irritability in children with ASD. While there are no FDA-approved pharmacological treatments specifically for improving safety swim skills or similar aquatic therapies, these medications can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral and educational interventions. Aquatic occupational therapy, which focuses on enhancing safety swim skills, is a non-pharmacological approach and is not directly related to FDA-approved drug treatments.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to Aquatic Occupational Therapy for ASD patients include: 1) Tennis-training programs, which have shown significant improvements in motor skills (e.g., forehand, backhand, rallying) and social skills. 2) Hydrotherapy combined with Snoezelen multi-sensory therapy, which offers a multi-sensory environment that can enhance therapeutic outcomes. These alternatives provide both physical and social benefits in a recreational setting.

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Aquatic Therapy for Autism

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Erika Kemp

Research Sponsored by Ohio State University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be younger than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up one time after 8 hours of intervention have been provided to the child participant

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial involves special swimming lessons for children aged 3-12 with autism. The program uses supportive techniques to help children learn to swim safely by breaking down skills into small steps and managing their behavior and sensory needs.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for children aged 3-12 with a medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder who are interested in swimming. It's not suitable for those requiring an uncapped tracheal ventilation system.

What is being tested?

The study is testing aquatic occupational therapy aimed at improving safety swim skills among young participants with autism.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this is a non-drug intervention focusing on swimming skills, typical medication side effects are not expected. However, there may be risks associated with water-based activities that will be monitored.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ immediately after the intervention

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~immediately after the intervention

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and immediately after the intervention for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in individualized goals

Change in parent comfort

Change in swim skills

+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Aquatic Occupational TherapyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group-based aquatic occupational therapy with 1:1 swim buddy for safety.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Aquatic Occupational Therapy

2021

N/A

~60

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include behavioral and educational interventions, which often focus on improving communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. These interventions work by using structured, repetitive activities to reinforce desired behaviors and skills. Aquatic occupational therapy, similar to other physical and sensory-based therapies, leverages the unique properties of water to enhance motor skills, sensory regulation, and safety awareness. The buoyancy and resistance of water provide a supportive environment that can help children with ASD improve coordination, muscle strength, and sensory processing. These mechanisms are crucial as they address core deficits in motor and sensory integration, which can significantly enhance the overall quality of life and independence for ASD patients.

Neural Mechanisms of Qigong Sensory Training Massage for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Feasibility Study.Clinical and neural effects of six-week administration of oxytocin on core symptoms of autism.[Good practice guidelines for the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders].