From social interaction to autonomy: Ludic experiences in aquatic environment for children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

The present study aimed at assessing ludic experiences in aquatic environment facilitated by a non-governmental organization in Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, for the social interaction of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a qualitative research based on three instruments: Systematic observation, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Five children with ASD, a Physical Education teacher, a psychologist, five Physiotherapy students and four family members participated in the study. The results showed that the aspects intrinsic to the ludic experiences worked as facilitators of social interaction between the children with ASD and the volunteers; three of these children showed interest to get involved and take part in games through social interaction. In conclusion, the ludic experiences enabled the children to cultivate verbal or gestural communication skills and build ties of trust with the volunteers and other children.