Aquatic Activities As Play Therapy Children Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This paper examines science theoretically with the method of literature aimed at writing this article to explore the optimization of aquatic activity as a play therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD children have major problems in communication, social interaction, behavior, interests, and motor skills. These disorders are important to overcome with the right treatment. Play therapy is one method that can be used to improve psychological and physical aspects. Aquatic activities as a form of play therapy are in the program sed adi five games aquatic include: 1) Fishing Nets Games; 2) Game Touching a Ball or Object; 3) Mini Water Polo Game; 4) Game Looking For Objects/ Coins; 5) Game of Sowing Objects/ Coins. The aquatic game in the program can improve and develop aspects of psychology, namely behavior, emotions, and social, with communication included. Aquatic activity as a program cannot be separated from the concept of frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT), psychic therapy program as well as an exercise program to improve the aerobic, flexibility, and neuromuscular components in ASD children and adolescents. Based on the results of previous studies found that the aquatic activity has a significant effect as a play therapy for ASD children. The conclusion of this article is that the aquatic game program can be used as a play therapy for ASD children. The program was given by paying attention to the FITT concept during the five aquatic game program.