Effects of Aquatic Sensory-Based Activities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eight-week aquatic sensory-based activities on sensory-motor skills, sleep habits, and quality of life in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who experience sleep problems. Materials and Methods: Fifteen children aged between 3 and 10 years with ASD were included in the study. The participants attended 40-minute aquatic sensory-based activity sessions twice a week for eight weeks. Assessments were conducted before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and eight weeks after the intervention using the Sensory Profile, Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Results: Significant improvements were observed in sensory-motor skills, sleep quality, and overall quality of life following the intervention. These positive effects were found to be maintained at the 8-week follow-up. Conclusion: Aquatic sensory-based activities provide positive effects on sensory integration, motor coordination, and overall quality of life in children with ASD.

Keywords

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Sleep
• Quality of Life
• Hydrotherapy
• Occupational Therapy

Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu Olan Çocuklarda Su Temelli Duyusal Aktivitelerin Etkileri

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB) tanısı almış ve uyku problemi yaşayan çocuklarda sekiz haftalık su temelli duyusal aktivitelerin duyusal-motor beceriler, uyku alışkanlıkları ve yaşam kalitesi üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya 3–10 yaş aralığında, OSB tanılı 15 çocuk dahil edilmiştir. Katılımcılar, sekiz hafta boyunca haftada iki kez 40 dakikalık su temelli duyusal aktivite seanslarına katılmıştır. Değerlendirmeler müdahale öncesinde, hemen sonrasında ve müdahaleden 8 hafta sonra yapılmıştır. Ölçümler Duyu Profili, Çocuk Uyku Alışkanlıkları Anketi, Pediatrik Yaşam Kalitesi Envanteri ve Çocukluk Otizm Derecelendirme Ölçeği kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bulgular: Müdahale sonrasında çocukların duyusal-motor becerilerinde, uyku kalitesinde ve yaşam kalitesinde anlamlı iyileşmeler gözlenmiştir. Bu olumlu etkilerin müdahaleden 8 hafta sonra da devam ettiği saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Su temelli duyusal aktiviteler, OSB’li çocuklarda duyusal bütünleme, motor koordinasyon ve genel yaşam kalitesi üzerinde olumlu etkiler sağlamaktadır.

Keywords

• Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu
• Uyku
• Yaşam Kalitesi
• Hidroterapi
• Ergoterapi

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