Abstract
The purpose of this mixed methods pre-/post-pilot intervention study was to assess parental psychological health and child challenging behaviors before and after a swimming program for children with autism. Participants were 10 parent–child dyads. Child’s challenging behaviors were lower in the post testing (Cohen’s d = 0.07–0.45). Mean scores were improved for parent perception of general health (Cohen’s d = 0.22). Three themes emerged from the post swim program focus group: (a) Parent satisfaction with instructors with sub themes (i) firmness (ii) creativity, and (iii) promotion of social interaction and sharing, (b) improved child sleeping, and (c) family dynamics with sub themes (i) siblings wanted to swim and (ii) parents’ fear of drowning. Preliminary results point to improved child behaviors and parent perception of general health. Future studies can focus on expanding the swim program to include all family members
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 356-363 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Western Journal of Nursing Research |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 14 Aug 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2021 |
Funding
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The study was funded by the Summer Faculty Fellowship (SFF) and a Regular Research Grant (RRG) Fund, from the Marquette University Committee on Research.
Funders | Funder number |
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Marquette University Committee on Research |