Hot tubs, if properly sized and heated, are wonderful tools for hydrotherapy. There is mounting evidence that hydrotherapy can reduce the symptoms of a long list of afflictions. It can also stimulate the brain and reduce individual’s risk-level for diseases such as Alzheimers. However, there is newer evidence that suggests hot tubs can be used for those with Autism and other sensory conditions.

What is ASD?

People diagnosed with autism will note that their disorder exists on a spectrum. Within the spectrum, autism has many different faces. Although the medical community once thought ASD was reserved for boys alone, it turns out that there are a tremendous amount of girls. However, it isn’t always obvious and can be extremely hard to diagnose in females. Both sexes tend to show different symptoms, and within the sexes, there are varying degrees of functionality. From high-functioning to low-functioning individuals, it’s important to note that autism spectrum disorder is not a one-size-fits-all, rather, it is a very colorful range. Here is a list of a few of the symptoms associated with each end of the spectrum.

• Low functioning… Usually quite obvious. Symptoms might include barriers to communication, sometimes the person is totally non-verbal, they likely suffer with repetitive behaviors, stimming, show obsession with various patterns or subjects and more. Their sensory sensitivity is often difficult for them to manage.
• High functioning… Very difficult to spot or diagnose. Some signs can include manageable sensitivity to sound, light and other physical sensations. The use of language and voice may seem strange or slightly “off”. Stimming is a possibility, though it isn’t as obvious and might only reveal itself during times of stress.
• Girls vs. Boys… Autism in girls is quite different from boys. May appear shy as a child with few if any friends, trouble with controlling feelings or emotions, obsessive interests in specific subjects which may be mistakenly seen as a “phase” by parents, high sensitivity to sensory stimulation. They only like to talk about the subjects they’re interested in, but they are very adept at “blending in” or “masking” their ASD characteristics.

Those who make blanket claims about autism and who view it in a negative light, often lack an understanding of the full scale that people with ASD exist on. Those on the high functioning end of the spectrum can be society’s best and brightest, perfectly capable in many aspects of life. Understandably so, they don’t view themselves as “disabled”, a term that some may find offensive.

Examples of our best and brightest with ASD include:

• Dan Akroyd
• Temple Grandin
• Tim Burton
• Daryl Hannah
• Charles Darwin
• Dawn Prince-Hughes
• Albert Einstein
• Susan Boyle
• Steve Jobs
• Bill Gates

Some parents with children on the spectrum will begin to notice symptoms of the disorder as early as 12 months to 3 years old. If your child is beginning to show any of the usual symptoms associated with ASD, you should take them to a physician.

Hydrotherapy for ASD

Hydrotherapy offers proven benefits to people on the spectrum.

• Sensory processing assistance. Warm water can help children with autism to stay focused. It’s great for calming and reducing the effects of sensory overload.
• Building social skills. ASD can make it very difficult to interact socially. Hydrotherapy can be done in small groups to provide children with a setting that is low-stress and allows them to interact with their own age group.

Finally, remember that people on the spectrum are just people, like the rest of us. They want to be loved, have friendships and generally live peaceful lives. It is unfair to categorize them by their diagnoses. When you meet someone with ASD, please keep in mind that they are not simply an “autistic person”- they are a person with autism.

Please take your child to a healthcare professional is you believe they might be on the spectrum. Diagnosis is not a death sentence, it is a way for you to help them live a well-adjusted and happy life.

Ready to invest in your family’s health and wellness? Visit our website today to find which of our swim spas or hot tubs is perfect for you!

Feel free to add your thoughts and opinions on this topic by leaving a comment below!