The effect of hydrotherapy on stereotype behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder

Stereotyped behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder cause disturbances in attention and concentration, cognitive development, and impairment in social functioning. These disturbances interfere with daily activities ranging from playing games to academic activities. The key question is whether hydrotherapy can be offered to reduce stereotyped movements in children on the autism spectrum?

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hydrotherapy program based on Halliwick program on stereotyped behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder.

This study was a quasi-experimental study of two groups of pre-test-post-test with control group and follow-up sessions. The statistical population included all children with autism disorder in Karaj. 24 autistic boys living in Kahrizak Alborz sanatorium were selected by convenience sampling method. The research instrument included The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale–Second Edition (GARS-2). The treatment sessions were performed according to the Halliwick program, 3 sessions per week for a total of 24 sessions. The data gathered from the study were analyzed through repeated measurement ANOVA and using SPSS software version 22.

There is a significant difference between the averages of the experimental and control groups (0/001) and Halliwick -based hydrotherapy is effective in reducing stereotyped movements. Also, its effects have been lasting in the follow-up phase.

Hydrotherapy significantly reduced stereotyped behaviors in children with autism and can be used as a complementary approach to the rehabilitation of children with autism.