Mom uses water therapy for autistic child

Friday, September 5, 2008

A day at the beach is therapy for a boy with autism.

A day at the beach is actually therapy for Isaiah. He has autism and the water is his therapy.

Isaiah's mother Danielle Paskowitz says water seems to be very therapeutic on it's own.

Danielle and her husband, a professional surfer spent a lot of time at the beach when Isaiah was young. They noticed it had a dramatic difference in his emotional state and behavior.

"He took him out into the ocean and we noticed the huge calming effect it had on his behavior," says Danielle.

Like many autistic children, Isaiah often suffered from sensory overload.

More Information

Surfing and autism

Taking him on his surf board soon became his best therapy.

Danielle and her husband decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children. The family started the Surfers Healing organization which holds camps in California.

Health Team 9 Psychologist Dr. Steve O'Brien says children with autism vary in the severity of their symptoms, but all have considerable problems with regulating their emotions and behavior, especially when they are either overwhelmed by stimuli, or consumed with repetitive, compulsive behavior called "stimming."

Dr. O'Brien says gradually exposing autistic children to various kinds of stimulation can help them acquire a greater sense of comfort and self control.

In fact, Dr. O'Brien says occupational therapy is designed with such goals in mind, and is an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for autistic children.

Sources: Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Dr. Steve O'Brien