Water Orientation Skills and Basic Safety and Swimming Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors

Kelle L. Murphy, University of Hawaii at ManoaFollow
Min Liu, University of Hawaii at ManoaFollow

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Exercise Science | Health and Physical Education | Kinesiology | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy | Public Health | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies

Abstract

Drowning is the leading cause of death among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study examined water orientation (i.e., comfort level), water safety, and beginning swimming skills of individuals with ASD of ages ranging from 3 to 13 years using the Aquatic Orientation Checklist (AOC) (Kilian et al., 1984). Data were collected during consecutive Fall and Spring semesters. A total of 23 children (n = 15 boys; n = 8 girls) volunteered for the study. Lessons were conducted twice a week for 10 weeks continuously and each lesson was 45 minutes in length. Overall, the swimming program had a significantly positive impact on the participants: they were less resistant to learn, showed an increase in comfort level in the aquatic environment, and were more willing to learn basic water safety and swimming skills by the completion of the program. These outcomes support the importance and effectiveness of teaching basic water safety and swimming skills to individuals with ASD to increase comfort level in the water and to decrease drowning rates.

Recommended Citation

Murphy, Kelle L. and Liu, Min (2025) "Water Orientation Skills and Basic Safety and Swimming Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 14: No. 4, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol14/iss4/5