Clinical Decision-Making in Pediatric Aquatic Therapy: Case Studies

Course overview

This course presents actual case studies to explore clinical decision-making in pediatric aquatic therapy using Water Specific Therapy (WST) principles and other aquatic therapy techniques. Therapists will learn how to individualize treatment strategies by examining how aquatic environments and metacentric effects can enhance motor control, posture, balance, and participation for children with diverse neurological and orthopedic conditions. From medically complex children with cerebral palsy to those with hypotonia or autism, each chapter illustrates the application of aquatic techniques, adaptive equipment, and motor learning strategies tailored to each child's functional level. The course is ideal for physical and occupational therapists working in pediatric outpatient, school-based, or specialized aquatic therapy settings who seek to enhance their clinical reasoning and intervention skills through evidence-informed practice.