1

Intervention Protocol

David Leon

RECTH 5360 Techniques & Facilitation in RT

University of Utah

Prepared for Professor Bennet

October 5, 2021
 2

Program Title: Aquatic Therapy

General Program Purpose:

Aquatic Therapy targets many identified problems via aquatic interventions which vary

depending on the individual's skills, goals, and comfort level. During this program, individuals

will be performing various activities such as swimming, playing water games, and walking in the

water to help them improve their balance, social skills, and communication skills.

Program Description:

The individuals that this program help is individuals who are 18 years or younger and have been

diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder also known as ASD. Both women and men can

participate in this program. Some of the interventions will be in groups while other ones will be

in one on one settings. The longevity of the program will vary depending on the progress of the

participants but progress will be checked for after each session.

Program Outcomes:

● The patient will increase social skills

● The patient will increase social interactions

● The patient will increase their communication skills

● The patient will increase balance

Client Problems to be addressed:

The client problems that will be addressed are:

● Slow or no response to getting their name called or verbal cues to get their attention

● Balance

● Reaction to stimuli

Modalities/Activity Interventions
 3

Referral Criteria:

Individuals would be referred by:

● Doctors

● Case managers

● Teachers

● Friends

● Family members.

Contraindicated Criteria:

● Patients with limited mobility

● Paraplegic patients

● Patients with different disabilities

License/National Certification/Specialty certifications:

● Basic Life Support (BLS)

● CPR

● CTRS

Risk Management Considerations:

● Clean the bottom of the pool to make sure it is not slippery

● Have handrails/walkers so that they can hold on in the beginning

● Having a lifeguard around

● Paddleboards

Ethnic or Cultural Considerations:

Some of the ethical and/or cultural considerations we have to keep in mind are:
 4

● The day we are doing the activity as some people cannot do activities on Sunday due to

religion.

● Another consideration you should take is clothing.

● RT should also take into consideration who is facilitating the activity and the gender as

that can very important in certain religions.

Program Evaluation:

● RT would document after every session patient attends.

● There should be a pre and post assessment done with each client

● RT should also check in with the patients to see how they are feeling and check on the

progress they have made.

● Through record review, RT would check if patient is reaching their goals.

D. Leon, RT Student (TRS, CTRS)

October 5, 2021