Enhancing the Motor Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pool-based Approach

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often experience difficulties with motor skill learning and performance. The pool is a unique learning environment that can help children with ASDs learn or improve aquatic skills, fitness, and social skills. A pool-based approach is also aligned with the elements of dynamic systems theory, which suggests that movement patterns develop as a result of a complex interaction between the environment, task, and learner. This article introduces pool-based activities for enhancing fundamental motor-skill development in children with ASDs, as well as task, environment, and learner variations. A lesson plan is also provided.