Aquatics Approaches for Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs enjoy and success theaquatic-based exercise and play skills in a pool as an al- ternative to land-based exercise in a gym. The purposeof this presentation is to deliver basic practical strate- gies and tips for developing aquatic skills, adjustmentto water and rotations, which are phases of the Halli- wick Method, for children with mental challenges. Pro- gram Objectives are; (a) to explain basic principles ofteaching approaches in aquatics, (b) to practice someaquatic drills (from Halliwick Method), and (c) to delivertips for applying aquatic drills in children with specialneeds. In addition, some play skills will be practiced asone on one training during a group session in swimmingpool.

PDF

___

1. Becker BE. (2009). Aquatic therapy: scientific foundations and clinical rehabilitation applications. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1, 859-872.
2. Bumin G, Uyanık M, Yılmaz I, Kayıhan H, Topçu M. (2003). Hydrotherapy for Rett syndrome. Journal of Re- habilitation Medicine, 35, 44-45.
3. Campion MR. (1985). Hydrotherapy in Paediatris. Lon- don: William Heinemann Medical Books Ltd.
4. Duker PC, Didden R, Sigafos J. (2004). One-to-One Training: Instructional Procedures for Learners with De- velopmental Disabilities, Texas: Pro-ed.
5. Dumas H, Francesconi S. (2001). Aquatic therapy in pediatrics: annotated bibliography. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 20, 63-78.
6. Huettig C, Darden-Melton B. (2004). Acquisition of aquatic skills by children with autism. Palaestra, 20, 20-25.
7. Killian JK, Petrovich RJA, Menna L, Arena SA. (1984). Measuring water orientation and beginner swim skills of autistic individuals. Adapted Physical Actvıty Quarterly, 1, 287-295.
8. Lepore M, Gayle GW, Stevens S. (1998). Adapted Aquatics Programming. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
9. Martinez CA. (2006). Adapted aquatics for children with autism. Teaching Elementary Physical Education, 17, 34-36.