Aquatic Sensory & Motor Integration in Pediatric Aquatic Therapy

Available on demand | 3.0 contact hrs | On-demand recorded webinar + distance learning module.

Description: This course examines aquatic sensory and motor integration strategies for pediatric patients using a functional, clinically grounded approach. Extrapolated from the 16 Treatment Station concept, content emphasizes the purposeful use of common, everyday items to deliver targeted sensory input and elicit meaningful motor responses within the aquatic environment—without relying on specialized or costly equipment. Each activity is analyzed through a multisensory processing lens, including vestibular, tactile, proprioceptive, visual, and auditory systems. This course is designed to support pediatric patients with motor planning challenges, reduced body awareness, attention and focus difficulties, impaired postural stability, bilateral coordination deficits, and cognitive disabilities, with applications across clinical, school-based, and community aquatic therapy settings.

To enroll 2+ learners, use "Buy Licenses' option below.

Format & Delivery

Format: Available on demand.

Recorded Webinar (1.5 hours) with Distance Learning Module (1.5 hours)

Total contact hours: 3.0 hours

Learning Objectives

Verbalize 1-2 reasons why clinicians believe sensory and motor integration is a natural fit for many aquatic settings. Identify a model program known for its use of sensory stimulation in water
Alter 1-2 aquatic activities in order to increase or diminish: vestibular input; tactile input; proprioceptive input; auditory input; visual input
Demonstrate 1-2 aquatic tasks or activities which can be performed at each of the 16 Treatment Stations
Suggest 3-4 items, available in pediatric clinics, which can be used to transform a pool into a sensory and motor room. Create a mock shopping list of additional items which can be inexpensively purchased at a Dollar Store

Additional Information about Course Content

Motor Planning and Postural Control Applications:
Content emphasizes how aquatic sensory input can be used to improve initiation, sequencing, bilateral coordination, and postural stability in children with neuromotor and cognitive challenges.
Clinical Reasoning and Activity Analysis:
Each activity is broken down by sensory system engagement, motor demand, and therapeutic intent, helping clinicians move beyond “fun pool games“ toward defensible, goal-driven interventions.
Integration Across Pediatric Practice Settings:
Strategies are applicable to outpatient therapy, school-based services, and community programs, with guidance on scaling complexity, maintaining engagement, and supporting carryover beyond the pool.

Target Audience Statement

This course is designed primarily for professionals with a basic understanding of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Those likely to benefit most are: Physical therapist & assistants, Occupational therapists & assistants, Recreational therapist & assistants, Speech & language pathologist & assistants.

Students who are at the basic level of skill acquisition and those who are at a higher level of skill, but who are looking for a course that provides "best practice" ideas for techniques currently practiced are also welcome.

This course can be applied toward 3 elective hours for individuals who are seeking their ATU Aquaticist credential.

This course does not focus on evaluation or examination of the patient and the content is within the scope of practice for the Assistant working under the supervision of the PT or OT or RT or SLP. While the primary audience for the course is the PT/OT/RT/SLP provider, other rehabilitation providers will find it beneficial.

CEU/CCU Information

What's included in this online course?

A step-by-step guide

Your ATU instructor's expertise will help you master the fundamentals of aquatic therapy.

Study at your own pace

You can enroll in this course whenever you want, and study at your own time, location and pace.

Unique learning experience

We will learn with ATU's interactive courses with different media and quizzes, to improve your knowledge.

Instructor:

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Masters degree in physical therapy. Salzman is the Founder and Owner of the Aquatic Resources Network, the largest multidisciplinary clearinghouse of information on aquatic therapy. She currently serves as Director of Aquatic Therapy University and has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice. Salzman has received the highest honor given to an aquatic physical therapist from the American Physical Therapy Association, the Judy Cirullo Leadership Award. She has been listed in Who's Who for Aquatics multiple times over the years. Over her career, she has served as:
• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy
• Manager, Regions Hospital Therapy Pool
• Adjunct Faculty, College of St. Catherine’s PT program
• Functional Design Consultant; Aquatic Therapy Facilities
• ARN Database Creator, 19,000 aquatic professionals
• Aquatic Health Research Database (AHRD) Creator, 8000 abstracts and growing
• Author, 5 aquatic therapy-related texts
• Monthly columnist, Aquatics International, Advance for PTs, Onsite Fitness, AusMed and other trade magazines

Patrick Jones - Course author

Course Lessons

Our students love us

I loved the video clips showing OT working with kids on the spectrum while the PT described the work.

Denise R., OTR

CTRS here. We are in the water all the time and I thought the training would be more of the same, but this gave me a new perspective even after 10 years in the pool.

Ronnie S., CTRS

Perfect for my entire SLP staff who needed an introduction to working with their current caseload in the water. Made it accessible.

Michael R., Team Aquatics Leader

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Disclaimer The content provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is intended for use by licensed and student rehabilitation professionals. It does not constitute legal, medical, or billing advice, nor does it create a provider–patient or attorney–client relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and current compliance, laws, payer policies, and professional regulations vary by state and may change over time. Users are responsible for verifying all information with applicable federal, state, and payer rules before applying it in clinical or administrative practice. Participation in any ATU course, program, or resource does not guarantee licensure, certification, or reimbursement and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional judgment, legal consultation, or individualized clinical decision-making. By using this site, you agree that Aquatic Therapy University and its affiliates are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from use of this information.

Aquatic Sensory/Motor Integration for the Pediatric Therapist