For kids on the autism spectrum, water can be extremely dangerous, because drowning is the number one cause of accidental death among children with autism. Dr. Erika Kemp, a pediatric occupational therapist at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center discusses an adaptive swim program specifically designed to teach the essential skills of swimming to young swimmers on the autism spectrum. The classes have been shown to not only improve swim skills and safety but also build competency that goes beyond the water.

My primary professional area of interest is supporting students and educators in the use of evidence-based practice as well as innovative ways to push occupational therapy into the community. I am a board certified pediatric occupational therapist with expertise in sensory integration, feeding and aquatics which feeds my clinical teaching and research in adaptive sports.

Liked it? Take a second to support healthprofessionalradio on Patreon!