Swimming as an occupation for children with autism spectrum disorder: parent and swimming teacher perceptions and experiences
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2021
Authors
Carter, Bronwyn Claire
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background: Swimming as an occupation for children with ASD is an unexplored field of
research in the South African context. Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore the
experiences of swimming teachers and parents of children with ASD in the context of
swimming lessons. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were utilized and a
qualitative, descriptive-phenomenological design. Colaizzi seven-step method for data
analysis was utilized. Results: Findings showed that parent’s often sought swimming lesson’s
as they perceived their children to be at an increased risk of drowning due to the characteristic
features of their diagnosis. Parent’s experienced swimming as a valuable and meaningful
occupation for their children with ASD and experienced a number of additional benefits, such
as experiences of belonging and pride, which they had not first anticipated. However, they
experienced a variety of barriers to accessing this service. Swimming teacher’s also derived
meaning and fulfilment from providing lessons. Although their perceptions and knowledge of
ASD changed and grew as they interacted more with the children and their families, they
expressed a definite need for greater support and training. Conclusion: Swimming is a
meaningful and valuable occupation for children with ASD and their families, but swimming
teachers in South Africa are not always equipped to provide this service. Occupational
therapist could play a number of different roles in supporting participation for all stakeholders
Description
A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021