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Exercise & Fragile X Syndrome
Aquatic Therapy Is Important for Fragile X Syndrome
Let’s explore the multiple benefits of choosing aquatic therapy or swim lessons for individuals with Fragile X syndrome. The symptoms and effects of Fragile X syndrome vary greatly. Some of the more common challenges experienced include social and behavioral difficulties, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and anxiety.
There is also a higher chance that someone with Fragile X also has an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. This can make it challenging to participate in traditional therapy and activities. Aquatic therapy and swim lessons offer a unique and effective way to improve sensory regulation, coordination of movements and social opportunities.
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a hereditary condition caused by a specific gene on the X chromosome becoming inactivated. This gene is essential for the creation of a protein required for healthy brain development.
Aquatic therapy can help satiate a child’s sensory needs as well as improve their strength, coordination, endurance, verbal output and motor planning so that they are able to function as safe as possible in an aquatic environment.
Adaptive swim lessons help children develop a crucial sense of awareness for water safety and independent movement, while fostering a positive and functional relationship. The goal is to improve swim skills and independence between the child and the water.
There are so many benefits of learning to swim for children with Fragile X syndrome! Children with FXS may have sensory processing difficulties or poor motor coordination, making them more vulnerable to drowning. Learning to swim gives swimmers the abilities they need to be safer in water environments, lowering the chance of drowning or injury. Swimming lessons also offer opportunities for social interaction and peer engagement. Children with Fragile X often struggle with social skills and may experience social anxiety or difficulty in group settings.
Here are some benefits of swim lessons for Fragile X Syndrome:
- Social outlet for parallel play and communication exchanges both verbal and nonverbal.
- Even playing field of the water where we don’t see physical challenges as pronounced as you might on land.
- Leisure activity where you can include siblings, cousins and friends in the pool as well as in lakes and the ocean.
Aquatic therapy can be extremely beneficial for children with Fragile X syndrome! It might be easier for individuals with FXS to engage in the sensory-rich environment of water. Water can be particularly beneficial for individuals with FXS due to the blanket of hydrostatic pressure. This provides a constant and comforting input, aiding in sensory regulation for the swimmer.
To access the full article on exercise and Fragile X Syndrome, click here.
