Pediatric Aquatic Therapy offers many benefits for children to improve their
physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional skills. The reduced gravity in the water
makes movement easier, the water provides rich tactile and proprioceptive input to
assist with sensory processing difficulties (e.g. autism, SPD), improves motor skills,
enhances attention and promotes independence and confidence.
Occupational Aquatic Therapy can also assist with primitive reflex integration. Primitive reflexes are
autonomic, involuntary movement patterns that develop in the womb or shortly after
birth. It is essential to have these reflexes to help infants with basic survival. If a reflex is
retained past their expected age, this may interfere with motor skills, emotional
regulation, learning and sensory processing. Retained primitive reflexes can be
common in children with Autism, ADHD, SPD, CP and other developmental or
intellectual disorders.
Swimming is a great way to target primitive reflex integration.
Here are some examples of swimming activities to try in the water to promote
integration of the Moro (Startle Reflex), TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex), STNR
(Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex), ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) and Spinal
Galant Reflex:
- Swimming with head turning (targets ATNR)
- Catching floating toys (targets ATNR)
- Doggy paddle (targets STNR)
- Breast stroke (targets STNR)
- Floating on stomach and back (targets TLR and Moro)
- Changing body position (targets TLR and Moro)
- Jumping into water (targets Moro)
- Breath control and blowing bubbles (targets Moro)
- Starfish float (targets Moro)
- Side kicking (targets Spinal Galant)
- Touching lower back to assist with floating (targets Spinal Galant)
