Comparing swim instruction methods for autistic children
Testing Effects of Swim Instruction on Autistic Children's Swimming and Water Safety Skills
NA · University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06216613
This study is testing a special swimming program for autistic kids aged 5-9 to see if it helps them learn swimming and water safety skills better than regular lessons.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 9 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06216613 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specialized swimming and water-safety program called Sensory Enhanced Aquatics compared to standard swimming lessons for autistic children aged 5-9 years. Participants will undergo assessments before and after an eight-week intervention consisting of 16 lessons, with a focus on improving swimming and water safety skills. The study will also explore which characteristics of participants are linked to the best outcomes in swimming skills. By using a randomized controlled design, the trial seeks to provide evidence on the most effective swim instruction for this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are autistic children aged 5-9 years with a clinical diagnosis and specific baseline swim test scores.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy or aggressive behaviors that pose safety risks will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance swimming and water safety skills in autistic children, potentially reducing drowning risks.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on Sensory Enhanced Aquatics, similar interventions for teaching swimming to children with autism have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 5-9 yrs. who have received a clinical diagnosis for autism based on Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 criteria * A Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) T-score of ≥ 60 * Sufficient functional ability to understand directions and communicate preferences (verbally or non-verbally) * Baseline swim test score ≤22 * No plans to relocate outside the study area during the intervention period. * Physician consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled epilepsy, as seizures increase risk of drowning. * Baseline swim test score ≥23 * Aggressive behaviors that would put instructor safety at risk.
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Kansas
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, Kansas, United States (RECRUITING)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Autism, Water Safety, Swimming