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Use the information provided on this site as an educational resource for determining your options and making your
own informed choices. It is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific illness.
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Toys, Products, and Ideas
for Sensory Education
Water activities provide children with proprioceptive and tactile input.  The warm water provides a safe and
supported environment, which not only supports the children, but also provides them with hydrostatic
pressure that surrounds their body in the water. This pressure actually soothes and calms the children,
Aquatics activities are a fun and enjoyable experience that have many physical, psycho social, cognitive,
and recreational benefits. Research continues to support the concept that water is the ideal medium in
which to exercise or rehabilitate the body. Water provides an environment, which reduces body weight by
90%, decreasing stress or impact on the body. Warm water also reduces spasticity and relaxes muscles.

For children with Autism aquatic therapy can focus on therapeutic play-based functional movement,
improving range of motion, helping to facilitate neurodevelopmental growth, improved body awareness,
increased balance, sensory integration, mobility skills and most importantly, having fun. The Aquatic
Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute defines Aquatic Therapy as "The use of water and specifically
designed activity by qualified personnel to aid in the restoration, extension, maintenance and quality of
function for persons with acute, transient, or chronic disabilities, syndromes or diseases".

BENEFITS OF AQUATIC THERAPY FOR CHILDREN:

  • Joint Mobility
  • Muscle Flexibility
  • Head & Trunk Postural Control
  • Blood Supply to Muscles
  • Attention Span & Sensory Integration
  • Respiratory Rate
  • Circulation
  • Symmetry, Strength and Endurance
  • The psychological benefits include improved self-esteem, confidence, and motivation!

Betty Wright Swim Center-Adapted Aquatic Services in Palo Alto, CA

North Bay Aquatic & Physical Therapy
9000 Soquel Ave # 101A
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-5777
Aquatic Therapy