Does hydrotherapy influence behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

INTERVENTION: Hydrotherapy, which includes therapeutic exercises held in a warm pool for a relaxing effect, provided by physiotherapists. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes. The number of children in the water at a time will be no more than 4 children. Sessions will run 1‐2 times weekly. This treatment intervention will be provided in addition to the children's current educational and therapy programs. Group 1 will complete 4 weeks of hydrotherapy while group 2 continues with their current programs. After 4 weeks, group 1 and 2 will switch, allowing group 2 to complete hydrotherapy and group 1 to return to their current programs without the addition of hydrotherapy. CONDITION: Autism Spectrum Disorder PRIMARY OUTCOME: Child Behaviour Checklist 6‐18 (CBCL 6‐18) is a 113 item questionnaire that will be completed by the parents at week 0, 4 and 8. The questionnaire should take approximately 15‐20 minutes to complete. It is used to detect behavioural and emotional problems in children and adolescence. The CBCL 6‐18 covers children 6 to 18 years of age. This questionnaire covers many different areas: anxiety/depression, somatic complaints, social issues, thought and attention difficulties, rule‐breaking and aggressive behaviour, ADHD, oppositional defiant problems and conduct difficulties. SECONDARY OUTCOME: none INCLUSION CRITERIA: The inclusion criteria for participants includes: a) a patient at Gateway Physiotherapy (Private Practice, Brisbane) or at a local GP clinic b) aged 6‐12 years of age c) a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder