Aquatic Therapy on Motor and Behavioral Skills in Children with ASD v1

This protocol describes a single-center randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of a 12-week structured aquatic therapy program on motor coordination and behavioral outcomes in children aged 5–12 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The intervention includes twice-weekly, 45-minute sessions combining warm-up, orientation, playful motor-based aquatic activities, and cool-down, compared to standard care. The study is expected to demonstrate improvements in motor coordination (BOT-2) and reductions in behavioral symptoms (ABC), alongside positive parental feedback. Results will address evidence gaps in aquatic therapy for ASD and may inform best practices for community-based pediatric neurorehabilitation, particularly in resource-limited settings.